Cost Estimation & Budget Planning
Plan your school's digital transformation investment
The Nyuchi Learning Framework is completely free.
We provide the guidance and framework at no cost. The estimates below represent costs your school will incur when implementing the framework - hardware, software subscriptions, training, connectivity, and staffing. We don't sell these services; we help you plan for them.
All costs are estimates for a school of 500-1000 students over 3 years. Your actual costs will vary based on location, existing infrastructure, vendor choices, and specific needs.
Budget Scenarios
These scenarios show what schools typically spend to implement the framework. Choose the level that matches your resources and goals.
Minimal Budget
Leverage completely free and open-source solutions. Ideal for schools with technical staff or community volunteers.
- Free LMS (Moodle, self-hosted)
- Free SIS (OpenSIS, Gibbon)
- Google Workspace for Education
- Open-source analytics
- Community support & forums
- BYOD or existing devices
Modest Budget
Mix of free tools with some paid services for reliability. Good balance for schools starting their digital journey.
- Moodle or Google Classroom
- Low-cost cloud SIS
- Basic cloud hosting
- Staff training costs
- Basic device lending program
- Part-time IT support
Moderate Budget
Balanced investment in technology, training, and infrastructure. Represents typical costs for comprehensive transformation.
- Full LMS with integrations
- Cloud-based SIS platform
- 1:3 device lending program
- Professional development
- Analytics & reporting tools
- Dedicated IT support
Comprehensive Budget
Full-featured implementation with 1:1 devices, advanced analytics, and comprehensive training programs.
- Enterprise LMS & SIS
- 1:1 device program
- AI-powered analytics
- Extensive PD programs
- Parent engagement platforms
- Full-time IT support
Minimal Budget: Cost Breakdown
| Category | Solution | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Management | Moodle (self-hosted) | $0 | Free, requires technical setup |
| Student Information System | OpenSIS | $0 | Open-source, community support |
| Email & Collaboration | Google Workspace for Education | $0 | Free for schools |
| Server Hosting | Basic VPS | $1,200 | $400/year for 3 years |
| Domain & SSL | Annual registration | $150 | $50/year for 3 years |
| Internet Connectivity | Basic broadband | $5,400 | $150/month for 3 years |
| Training (Self-paced) | Online tutorials & documentation | $0 | Community resources |
| Devices | BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) | $0 | Students use personal phones |
| Technical Staff | Existing IT staff or volunteer | $0 | 20-30 hours setup + ongoing |
| Total 3-Year Cost | $6,750 | Requires technical expertise | |
Best for: Schools with technical staff, community IT volunteers, or partnerships with local tech organizations. Requires commitment to self-support and community resources.
Modest Budget: Cost Breakdown
| Category | Solution | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LMS Platform | Google Classroom or Moodle Cloud | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| SIS (Cloud) | Low-cost cloud SIS | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Cloud Hosting | Managed hosting | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 | $3,600 |
| Connectivity | Broadband + backup | $2,400 | $2,400 | $2,400 | $7,200 |
| Devices | 10 shared tablets | $3,000 | $0 | $1,500 | $4,500 |
| Training | Basic staff training | $3,000 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $6,000 |
| Support & Maintenance | Email support | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Total 3-Year Cost | $33,300 | ||||
Best for: Schools ready to invest modestly in digital transformation with mix of free and low-cost tools. Includes basic support and minimal device program.
Moderate Budget: Cost Breakdown (Common Scenario)
| Category | Solution | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LMS Platform | Moodle Cloud or Canvas | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $9,000 |
| SIS Platform | PowerSchool or similar | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Cloud Infrastructure | AWS Educate or Azure | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $7,500 |
| Connectivity | High-speed broadband | $3,600 | $3,600 | $3,600 | $10,800 |
| Devices | 100 Chromebooks (1:3 ratio) | $25,000 | $0 | $12,500 | $37,500 |
| Professional Development | Teacher & staff training | $5,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $11,000 |
| Technical Support | Dedicated support | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $9,000 |
| Analytics & Reporting | Basic analytics tools | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Total 3-Year Cost | $75,300 | ||||
Best for: Schools committed to comprehensive digital transformation with balanced investment in technology, training, and support. Most popular option for medium-sized schools.
Comprehensive Budget: Cost Breakdown
| Category | Solution | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LMS Platform | Canvas or Blackboard | $8,000 | $8,000 | $8,000 | $24,000 |
| SIS Platform | PowerSchool Premium | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Cloud Infrastructure | AWS or Azure (scalable) | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Connectivity | Enterprise broadband | $6,000 | $6,000 | $6,000 | $18,000 |
| Devices | 300 Chromebooks (1:1 for grades 9-12) | $75,000 | $0 | $37,500 | $112,500 |
| Professional Development | Comprehensive training program | $12,000 | $8,000 | $8,000 | $28,000 |
| AI & Analytics | Advanced analytics platform | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Technical Support | Premium support & consulting | $8,000 | $8,000 | $8,000 | $24,000 |
| Parent Engagement | Communication platforms | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Total 3-Year Cost | $181,000 | ||||
Best for: Well-funded schools or those with grants/donor support seeking comprehensive 1:1 device programs, advanced analytics, and premium support services.
Cost Reduction Strategies
Phased Rollout
Start with free tools and core grades, expand gradually as budget allows. Year 1 can be under $10K.
BYOD Programs
Encourage students to bring smartphones/tablets. Reduces device costs by 60-80%.
Open Source First
Prioritize free, open-source tools. Upgrade to paid tools only when necessary.
Community Partnerships
Partner with local tech companies, NGOs, or universities for donated equipment and expertise.
Bulk Purchasing
Coordinate with other schools for group purchasing discounts on devices and software.
Grant Funding
Apply for education technology grants from government, foundations, and international organizations.
Ready to Plan Your Implementation?
Use these estimates to build your budget proposal and secure funding.
Remember: The framework and guidance are free. You only invest in the actual implementation.