Parent/Guardian Guide
Welcome! This guide helps you stay connected with your child's education through 4SCH. You can check grades, monitor attendance, pay fees, and communicate with teachersβall from your phone or computer.
Your Parent Dashboardβ
When you log into 4SCH, you'll see your Parent Dashboardβyour home base for tracking your child's education.
What You'll Seeβ
If you have one child:
- Recent attendance summary
- Latest grades and test scores
- Outstanding fees and payment status
- Recent announcements from school
- Upcoming events and deadlines
If you have multiple children:
- A card for each child showing their summary
- Click on any child's card to see their detailed information
- Switch between children easily
Quick Actions on Your Dashboardβ
- View Full Report Card β See complete grades for the term
- Pay Fees β Go directly to fee payment
- Message Teacher β Contact your child's teacher
- View Timetable β Check today's class schedule
- Download Documents β Get report cards, receipts, letters
Make it a habit to check your dashboard once a day (perhaps in the evening). You'll stay informed about:
- Did my child attend school today?
- Any new grades posted?
- Any messages from teachers?
- Upcoming fee deadlines?
Checking Your Child's Attendanceβ
One of the most important things you can monitor is whether your child is attending school regularly.
How to Check Attendanceβ
Option 1: From Your Dashboard
- Look at the attendance summary on your child's card
- You'll see today's status and overall attendance percentage
Option 2: Full Attendance Report
- Click on your child's name
- Go to the Attendance tab
- You'll see a calendar or list showing:
- β Present β Attended that day
- β Absent β Did not attend
- β° Late β Arrived late
- π₯ Excused β Absent with permission
Understanding Attendance Notificationsβ
You'll receive notifications when:
- Your child is marked absent
- Your child arrives late to school
- Attendance drops below a certain percentage (if configured)
Notification methods:
- Push notification to your phone (if app is installed)
- SMS message
- In-app notification
If your child attended but is marked absent:
- Check with your child firstβwere they in class on time?
- Message the class teacher explaining the situation
- The teacher or admin can correct the record
Always address attendance issues quickly to avoid misunderstandings.
Why Attendance Mattersβ
Schools often have minimum attendance requirements:
- Usually 75-80% attendance required
- Poor attendance affects exam eligibility
- Consistent absences may trigger school intervention
Track your child's attendance percentage shown on their profile. If it drops below 85%, investigate why and work with the school to improve it.
Viewing Grades & Resultsβ
Stay informed about your child's academic performance.
How to Check Gradesβ
- Click on your child's name from your dashboard
- Go to the Grades or Results tab
- Select the term/semester you want to view
What You'll Seeβ
Recent Test Scores:
- Individual test and quiz results
- Subject-by-subject breakdown
- Percentage or letter grade
- Teacher comments (if provided)
Overall Performance:
- Average grade per subject
- Class rank or position (if school publishes this)
- Comparison to previous terms
- Areas of strength and weakness
Report Cards:
- Full term report cards
- Download as PDF for printing
- Includes attendance summary and teacher remarks
Understanding the Grading Systemβ
Your school uses a specific grading system. Common systems include:
Percentage-Based:
- 70-100% = A (Excellent)
- 60-69% = B (Very Good)
- 50-59% = C (Good)
- 40-49% = D (Pass)
- Below 40% = F (Fail)
Or your school may use a different scale. Check with the school for their specific grading criteria.
When Are Grades Posted?β
Teachers publish grades after:
- Each test or assessment
- Midterm exams
- End of term exams
You'll receive a notification when new grades are published.
What to Do If You're Concerned About Gradesβ
If grades are lower than expected:
- Talk to your child first β Are they understanding the material? Do they need help?
- Review the specific tests β Which subjects or topics are problematic?
- Message the teacher β Ask for specific feedback and suggestions
- Request extra help β Ask if the school offers tutoring or study groups
- Monitor progress β Check if improvement happens over the next assessments
When messaging about grades, be specific:
- β "Why is my child failing?"
- β "I noticed my child scored 45% on the last Math test. Can we discuss what topics they're struggling with and how I can help at home?"
Downloading Report Cardsβ
At the end of each term:
- Go to your child's Grades section
- Look for "Download Report Card" or "Term Report"
- Click to download as PDF
- Save or print for your records
Some schools require a printed report card to be signed and returned.
Paying School Feesβ
4SCH makes it easy to track and pay your child's school fees.
Viewing Fee Invoicesβ
- From your dashboard, click on Fees or Payments
- You'll see all invoices for your child(ren):
- Paid β Already settled
- Pending β Due for payment
- Overdue β Past the due date
- Partial β Partially paid
Understanding Your Fee Structureβ
Typical fee breakdown:
- Tuition Fee β Main academic fee
- Development Levy β School infrastructure
- Resource/Activities Fee β School-defined charge (if applicable)
- Sports Fee β Athletics and sports programs
- Exam Fee β External exam registration
- Transport Fee β School bus (if applicable)
- Feeding Fee β School meals (if applicable)
Your school may have different fee categories. Click on any invoice to see the detailed breakdown.
Complete Workflow: Paying School Fees End-to-Endβ
This comprehensive workflow guides you through the entire fee payment process, from receiving an invoice to getting your receipt.
Phase 1: Understanding Your Fee Invoice (2-3 minutes)β
When you receive a fee notification:
You'll get notified via:
- π± Push notification: "New fee invoice for Amara - Term 2 fees"
- π§ Email: "School Fee Invoice - Due March 31, 2026"
- π¬ SMS: "Fee reminder for Amara Okafor"
Step 1: Access the invoice
- Open 4SCH app or log in to the web portal
- Go to Fees section from dashboard
- Or click the notification to go directly to fees
Step 2: Review invoice details
Click on the pending invoice to see:
Invoice #: INV-2026-0234
Student: Amara Okafor - Grade 5A
Term: Second Term 2026
Issue Date: February 1, 2026
Due Date: March 31, 2026
Status: PENDING
Fee breakdown:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | NGN 25,000 |
| Development Levy | NGN 3,000 |
| Sports Fee | NGN 1,500 |
| Resource Fee | NGN 2,000 |
| Total Amount Due | NGN 31,500 |
Step 3: Check payment options
Look for:
- Full Payment: Pay entire amount (NGN 31,500)
- Installment Payment: Pay in parts (if allowed by school)
- Example: 3 installments of NGN 10,500 each
- Installment 1 due: March 10
- Installment 2 due: March 20
- Installment 3 due: March 31
Step 4: Check for discounts
- Early payment discount: "Pay before Feb 28 - Get 5% off"
- Sibling discount: "Second child: 10% off"
- Financial aid: "Scholarship applied: -NGN 5,000"
Updated total after discounts: NGN 28,000
- Due Date: Pay before this date to avoid late fees
- Overdue: Late fee may apply (e.g., 5% penalty)
- Partial Payment: Some schools allow partial payment
- Previous Balance: Check if you have any outstanding fees from previous terms
Phase 2: Choosing Your Payment Method (1 minute)β
Available payment methods (varies by school):
Option 1: Online Payment (Recommended - Instant confirmation)
- β Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard)
- β Mobile Money (Paystack, MTN, Airtel)
- β Bank Transfer (instant or 24-hour processing)
- β PayPal or other e-wallets
Option 2: Offline Payment (Manual confirmation needed)
- π° Cash at school office
- π¦ Cheque deposit
- π§ Bank branch deposit
Recommendation:
- Online payment: Instant receipt, no school visit needed
- Cash payment: Use if you don't have cards/mobile money
Cost comparison:
| Method | Transaction Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Card Payment | 2.5% (NGN 700) | Instant |
| Paystack | 1% (NGN 280) | Instant |
| Bank Transfer | NGN 0-100 | 1-24 hours |
| Cash at office | NGN 0 | Instant (but requires visit) |
Best choice for NGN 28,000 invoice:
- Paystack: Lower fee (NGN 280), instant confirmation
- Bank Transfer: No fee if same-day, but may take hours
Phase 3: Making Online Payment (3-5 minutes)β
Let's use Paystack as an example:
Step 1: Initiate payment
- Click Pay Now on the invoice
- Select amount: Full Payment (NGN 28,000) or Partial Payment
- Choose payment method: Paystack
- Click Proceed to Payment
Step 2: Enter payment details
Paystack Phone Number: 0712 345 678
Amount: NGN 28,000
Paying for: Sarah Wilson - Term 2 Fees
Step 3: Confirm details Review summary:
- Student: Amara Okafor
- Invoice: INV-2026-0234
- Amount: NGN 28,000
- Fee: NGN 280
- Total to pay: NGN 28,280
Click Confirm Payment
Step 4: Complete Paystack transaction
On your phone:
- Paystack prompt appears: "Enter Paystack PIN to pay NGN 28,280 to SCHOOL NAME"
- Enter your Paystack PIN
- Confirm transaction
Step 5: Wait for confirmation
- Processing: "Please wait..." (10-30 seconds)
- Success message: "Payment successful! β"
- Paystack SMS: "You have paid NGN 28,280 to SCHOOL NAME. New balance: NGN XXXX"
β Payment complete! Receipt generated automatically.
Phase 4: Verifying Payment & Downloading Receipt (2 minutes)β
Immediate verification:
-
Check payment status in 4SCH:
- Invoice status changes: PENDING β PAID β
- Payment date: February 15, 2026
- Payment method: Paystack
- Transaction ID: MPE2026021567890
-
View receipt:
- Click View Receipt or Download Receipt
- Receipt shows:
OFFICIAL RECEIPT
Receipt #: REC-2026-0456
Date: February 15, 2026
Received from: Mr. Chukwudi Okafor (Parent)
For student: Amara Okafor - Grade 5A
Payment Details:
- Tuition Fee: NGN 25,000
- Development Levy: NGN 3,000
- Sports Fee: NGN 1,500
- Resource Fee: NGN 2,000
Subtotal: NGN 31,500
Early Payment Discount (5%): -NGN 1,575
Total Paid: NGN 28,000
Payment Method: Paystack
Transaction ID: MPE2026021567890
Balance: NGN 0.00
Thank you for your payment!
-
Download and save receipt:
- Click Download PDF
- Save to: Phone/Computer downloads
- Rename: "Amara_Term2_2026_Receipt.pdf"
- Optional: Print for your records
Receipt uses:
- β Proof of payment
- β Tax deduction (if applicable)
- β School may request physical copy
- β Financial record keeping
Phase 5: What If Payment Fails? (Troubleshooting)β
Common issues and solutions:
Issue 1: "Insufficient funds"
- Check Paystack balance: Dial *234# or check app
- Top up your Paystack account
- Try again
Issue 2: "Transaction timeout"
- Network issue - wait 2 minutes
- Check if money was deducted from Paystack
- If deducted but payment not reflected:
- Wait 30 minutes for processing
- Contact school if still pending after 1 hour
- Keep Paystack SMS as proof
Issue 3: "Payment gateway error"
- Try different payment method
- Clear browser cache (web) or restart app
- Try again in 10 minutes
- Contact school IT support if persistent
Issue 4: Money deducted but payment shows "pending"
- Don't pay again!
- Take screenshot of:
- Paystack confirmation SMS
- 4SCH payment status
- Message school accountant with:
Subject: Payment Verification Needed
Hi, I paid β¦28,000 for Amara Okafor (Grade 5A)
via Paystack on Feb 15, 2026 at 10:30 AM.
Paystack Transaction Code: MPE2026021567890
Payment shows as "pending" in 4SCH.
Please verify and confirm.
Thank you. - School will reconcile within 24 hours
Phase 6: Paying in Installments (Alternative Flow)β
If school allows installment payments:
Step 1: Choose installment plan
- Invoice: NGN 31,500
- Choose: 3 installments
- System calculates:
- Installment 1 (Due March 10): NGN 10,500
- Installment 2 (Due March 20): NGN 10,500
- Installment 3 (Due March 31): NGN 10,500
Step 2: Pay first installment
- Select "Installment 1"
- Pay NGN 10,500 using Paystack
- Get receipt for partial payment
Step 3: Track remaining balance
- Dashboard shows:
Total Fee: NGN 31,500
Paid: NGN 10,500
Balance: NGN 21,000
Next installment due: March 20
Step 4: Get reminders
- 5 days before due date: "Reminder: Installment 2 (NGN 10,500) due in 5 days"
- 1 day before: "Final reminder: Pay NGN 10,500 by tomorrow"
Step 5: Complete remaining payments
- Repeat payment process for each installment
- Final installment clears the balance
Benefits of installments:
- β Easier budgeting
- β No lump sum needed
- β Still meet school deadlines
Important:
- β οΈ Miss an installment = late fees may apply
- β οΈ Child may not sit exams until full payment
Phase 7: Cash Payment at School (Alternative Method)β
For parents who prefer cash:
Step 1: Prepare
- Note the invoice number: INV-2026-0234
- Note the amount: NGN 28,000
- Visit school during office hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (if open)
Step 2: At the accounts office
-
Provide:
- Student name: Amara Okafor
- Class: Grade 5A
- Invoice number: INV-2026-0234
- Cash: NGN 28,000
-
Accountant will:
- Verify invoice
- Count cash
- Issue official receipt
- Update 4SCH system
Step 3: Mark payment in 4SCH
- Accountant marks invoice as "Paid - Cash"
- You see status update within 1 hour
Step 4: Receive receipt
- Get physical receipt immediately
- PDF receipt available in 4SCH within 24 hours
Complete Timeline Exampleβ
Scenario: Paying NGN 28,000 via Paystack
Monday, Feb 1, 8:00 AM:
- School sends invoice
- You receive notification
Monday, Feb 1, 9:00 AM:
- Log in to 4SCH
- Review invoice (2 minutes)
- See early payment discount available until Feb 28
Saturday, Feb 15, 10:00 AM:
- Decide to pay and get discount
- Select Paystack payment (1 minute)
- Enter phone number and amount (1 minute)
- Complete Paystack PIN entry (30 seconds)
- Payment processes (20 seconds)
- Payment successful! β
Saturday, Feb 15, 10:02 AM:
- Download receipt PDF
- Save to phone
- Invoice marked as PAID
- You receive confirmation email
Total time: 5 minutes Money saved: NGN 1,575 (early payment discount)
Payment Tips & Best Practicesβ
π‘ Money-Saving Tips:
- Pay early: Get early payment discounts (typically 5-10%)
- Use bank transfer: Often no transaction fees
- Check for sibling discounts: Pay for multiple children together
- Ask about payment plans: Spread cost over term
π Timing Strategies:
- Pay immediately after salary: Avoid spending it elsewhere
- Set reminders: 5 days before due date
- Use auto-debit: Some schools offer this option
- Pay in person on payroll days: Avoid weekend bank closures
π Security Practices:
- Always download receipt: Proof of payment
- Keep Paystack SMS: Additional proof
- Screenshot confirmation: Just in case
- Check invoice status: Verify it shows "PAID"
- Never share PIN: School will never ask for Paystack PIN
π¨ Avoid These Mistakes:
- β Paying to wrong account
- β Not keeping receipts
- β Paying twice when first payment pending
- β Missing due date and paying late fees
- β Not verifying student name on invoice
What Happens After Payment?β
Immediate effects:
- β Invoice status: PENDING β PAID
- β Receipt generated
- β Email confirmation sent
- β Child's fee balance updated
Within 24 hours:
- β School accountant verifies payment
- β Child cleared to sit for exams (if applicable)
- β Payment reflected in school records
If there are issues:
- School contacts you within 48 hours
- You provide payment proof (Paystack SMS, screenshot)
- School reconciles and updates status
Your child's teacher:
- Does NOT see payment amounts (privacy)
- Only sees: "Fees paid β" or "Fees pending"
Summary Checklistβ
Before paying:
- Review invoice details carefully
- Check for discounts available
- Verify due date
- Choose best payment method (lowest fees)
During payment:
- Double-check student name
- Verify amount is correct
- Complete transaction securely
- Wait for confirmation (don't close app)
After payment:
- Download receipt immediately
- Save Paystack/bank confirmation
- Verify invoice shows "PAID"
- Keep records for tax/audit purposes
If problems occur:
- Screenshot everything
- Keep all SMS confirmations
- Contact school within 24 hours
- Don't pay again until resolved
How to Pay Fees Online (Quick Reference)β
If your school has enabled online payments:
Step 1: Select the Invoice Click on the pending invoice you want to pay.
Step 2: Choose Payment Method Options may include:
- Card Payment β Debit/Credit card
- Bank Transfer β Direct bank transfer
- Mobile Money β Paystack, MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, etc.
- USSD β Dial a code to complete payment
Step 3: Enter Payment Details Follow the prompts to enter your payment information securely.
Step 4: Confirm Payment Review the amount and fee breakdown, then confirm.
Step 5: Get Your Receipt
- Payment confirmation appears immediately
- Receipt is sent to your email
- Download and save the receipt from your account
4SCH uses secure payment gateways. Your payment information is encrypted and never stored on school servers.
Paying at the School Officeβ
If you prefer to pay in person:
- Visit the school bursar/accounts office
- Make payment via cash, check, or POS
- Important: Ask the office staff to mark your invoice as paid in 4SCH
- You should see the payment reflected in your account within 24 hours
Payment Plans & Installmentsβ
Some schools allow payment in installments:
- First Installment β Due at start of term
- Second Installment β Due mid-term
- Final Installment β Due before exams
Check with your school's bursar for available payment plans.
Fee Remindersβ
You'll receive reminders:
- 7 days before the due date
- On the due date
- 3 days after due date (if unpaid)
Set up reminders on your phone to avoid late payment penalties.
Downloading Receiptsβ
Need a receipt for reimbursement or records?
- Go to Fees β Payment History
- Find the payment
- Click Download Receipt
- Save as PDF
Messaging Teachers & Schoolβ
Good communication with your child's teachers helps them succeed.
When to Message Teachersβ
Good reasons to message:
- Ask about your child's progress
- Inform teacher about absences or late arrivals
- Ask for clarification on assignments
- Discuss behavioral concerns
- Request parent-teacher meeting
- Ask about extra help opportunities
When to call instead:
- Urgent safety concerns
- Medical emergencies
- Serious behavioral incidents
- Time-sensitive issues
How to Send a Messageβ
Option 1: From Your Child's Profile
- Go to your child's profile
- Click Message Teacher
- Select which teacher (class teacher, subject teacher)
- Write your message
- Click Send
Option 2: From Messaging Section
- Go to Messages β New Message
- Select recipient (teacher's name)
- Write and send
Writing Effective Messagesβ
Good Message Example:
Subject: Question About Math Homework
Dear Mr. Okafor,
My son mentioned he's having difficulty with the algebra homework assigned yesterday. Could you please clarify what we should focus on for questions 5-8?
Also, are there any additional practice problems you'd recommend?
Thank you,
Mrs. Adekunle
Why This Works:
- Polite and respectful
- Specific about the issue
- Clear question
- Shows parent engagement
Poor Message Example:
"Why is the homework so hard?"
This is too vague and sounds confrontational.
Response Timesβ
Teachers typically respond within:
- 24 hours during weekdays
- Longer on weekends or holidays
If it's urgent, consider calling the school office instead.
Reading School Announcementsβ
The school admin and teachers send announcements about:
- School holidays and closures
- Upcoming events (sports day, parent-teacher meetings)
- Policy changes
- Fee deadlines
- Health and safety updates
You'll find announcements:
- On your dashboard
- In the Announcements or News section
- Via notifications (if enabled)
Enable push notifications so you don't miss urgent announcements about:
- School closures due to weather
- Emergency changes to schedule
- Important meetings
Managing Multiple Childrenβ
If you have more than one child at the school, here's how to stay organized.
Switching Between Childrenβ
- On your dashboard, you'll see cards or tabs for each child
- Click on any child's name to view their specific information
- Use the menu or dropdown to switch between children
Paying Fees for Multiple Childrenβ
Option 1: Pay Separately
- Go to each child's fee section
- Pay their invoices individually
Option 2: Bulk Payment (if available)
- Some schools allow you to pay all children's fees in one transaction
- Look for "Pay All" or "Combined Payment" option
- Useful if fees are the same for all children
Messaging About Multiple Childrenβ
When messaging about multiple children:
- Specify which child you're asking about
- If it's about both/all, mention this clearly
- Example: "I'm writing about both Chidi (JSS 2A) and Amaka (Primary 5B)..."
Privacy & Securityβ
What Information Can You See?β
You can ONLY see information about your own child(ren):
- β Your child's grades
- β Your child's attendance
- β Your child's fees
- β Other students' information (protected for privacy)
Protecting Your Accountβ
Keep your password secure:
- Don't share your password with anyone (including your child)
- Use a strong password (mix of letters, numbers, symbols)
- Change your password if you suspect it's been compromised
Log out on shared devices:
- If using a public computer or phone, always log out
- Don't save passwords on public devices
Updating Your Contact Informationβ
Keep your information current:
- Go to Profile or Account Settings
- Update:
- Phone number
- Email address
- Home address
- Emergency contact
Why this matters:
- School needs to reach you for emergencies
- Fee reminders sent to your phone/email
- Grade notifications sent to your contact info
If your phone number or email changes, update it immediately! You might miss important notifications about your child.
Enabling Notificationsβ
Stay informed with real-time notifications.
Types of Notificationsβ
- π Academic: New grades posted, assignments due
- π Attendance: Child absent or late
- π° Financial: Fee reminders, payment confirmations
- π’ Announcements: School news and updates
- π¬ Messages: New message from teacher
How to Enable Notificationsβ
Mobile App (if available):
- Install the 4SCH mobile app
- During setup, allow notifications when prompted
- Go to Settings β Notifications to customize
Email Notifications:
- Go to Profile β Notification Preferences
- Check which notifications you want via email
- Save changes
SMS Notifications:
- Usually enabled by default to your registered phone number
- Contact school admin if you're not receiving SMS
Customizing Notificationsβ
Choose what's important to you:
- β Attendance alerts (High priority)
- β Fee reminders (High priority)
- β Grade updates (Medium priority)
- β School announcements (Medium priority)
- β¬ Assignment reminders (May be too frequent)
Troubleshooting Common Issuesβ
"I can't log in"β
Try these steps:
- Check your username β It may be your email, phone number, or a username provided by school
- Reset your password β Click "Forgot Password" on login screen
- Check with school β Contact the school office to verify your account is active
"I don't see my child's information"β
Possible reasons:
- Your account isn't linked to your child yet
- You're logged in with the wrong account
- The school hasn't added your child to the system yet
Solution: Contact the school's admin office to link your account properly.
"Fees show as unpaid but I already paid"β
What to do:
- Check your payment receipt/confirmation
- Message the school bursar with payment details (date, amount, method)
- They'll verify and update your account
Allow 24-48 hours for manual payments to reflect in the system.
"I'm not receiving notifications"β
Check these:
- Notification settings β Are they enabled in your profile?
- Email spam folder β Check if notifications went to spam
- Phone number β Is it correct in your profile?
- App permissions β If using mobile app, check notification permissions in phone settings
Tips for Engaged Parentsβ
Weekly Routineβ
Monday morning:
- Check the week's timetable
- Note any special events or deadlines
Daily (evening):
- Check attendance for the day
- Read any new messages from teachers
- Review any new grades posted
Sunday evening:
- Review the coming week with your child
- Check for outstanding homework or projects
- Verify school fees are up to date
Supporting Your Child's Successβ
Stay informed:
- Check 4SCH regularly
- Attend parent-teacher meetings
- Respond to teacher messages promptly
Be proactive:
- If grades drop, address it immediately
- If attendance is slipping, find out why
- If teacher requests a meeting, don't delay
Celebrate achievements:
- Acknowledge good grades
- Recognize improved attendance
- Encourage consistent effort
Getting Helpβ
Have questions?
- Check this guide first
- Contact your child's class teacher
- Contact the school office/admin
- For technical issues: School admin can contact 4SCH support
For urgent matters: Call the school directly rather than sending a message.
Next Stepsβ
Explore more features:
Stay connected with your child's education! π