For many schools, budgets are tight and priorities are endless. When it comes time to build or refresh a school website, it’s tempting to choose a “free” solution like WordPress, Wix, or Google Sites. On the surface, these platforms seem like the perfect answer ... easy to start, no licensing fees, and plenty of templates. But over time, the real costs begin to show.
The Appeal of “Free”
It’s understandable why schools lean toward free tools. They promise flexibility, quick setup, and no up-front costs. For districts managing multiple schools, the idea of spinning up several free sites can seem efficient. But like many things in technology, what seems simple at first can become complex over time, especially when updates, accessibility, and consistency come into play.
The Hidden Costs of Maintenance
Platforms like WordPress require constant attention. Plugins need updating, security patches must be applied, and errors can appear without warning. Without dedicated IT staff or vendor support, a simple classroom update can turn into hours of troubleshooting. Even “no-code” builders like Wix or Google Sites aren’t maintenance-free, they often require redesigns when layouts break or features change.
Accessibility and Compliance Challenges
Every school website must meet accessibility and legal standards, including Section 504, Title II, and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Free platforms often lack the built-in tools or flexibility needed to maintain compliance across an entire site. For schools, noncompliance isn’t just a bad look, it can become a legal and reputational risk.
Time Is Money. Especially for School Staff
When administrators, teachers, or office staff have to become part-time web developers, valuable time is lost. Every hour spent resizing images, managing permissions, or figuring out why a plugin stopped working is an hour taken away from students. A reliable CMS should support your staff, not add to their workload.
Security and Reliability
Free platforms don’t always provide enterprise-level security. Open-source systems like WordPress rely on community plugins — some excellent, some unvetted. Meanwhile, platforms like Google Sites limit customization, making it difficult to add security layers, analytics, or integrations that districts need. For schools handling sensitive data, reliability and protection should never be optional.
The Long-Term View
“Free” website platforms often end up costing more through downtime, staff time, compliance audits, and redesigns. A smart investment means choosing a solution built for the long run, one that’s secure, accessible, easy to manage, and supported by people who understand your school’s needs.
The takeaway: What looks free today can cost much more tomorrow. Choosing a stable, compliant, and well-supported platform ensures your website remains a tool for connection, not another source of frustration.
Planning a Smarter Path Forward
If your school website is ready for an upgrade or you’re unsure whether your current CMS meets accessibility and performance standards, it might be time for a deeper look. We’ve helped Oklahoma schools modernize their sites with systems that are compliant, easy to manage, and built to last ... without adding to the workload of already busy staff. Explore our school website services to see how a smarter, sustainable platform can save time and money over the long term.
