Amplify – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Amplify

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Website

82%

WISE Score

The digital backbone of the modern classroom that actually cares about the science of reading and making math less of a total drag.

Amplify

Website

82%

WISE Score

The digital backbone of the modern classroom that actually cares about the science of reading and making math less of a total drag.

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Screenwise Verdict

Amplify is the 'gold standard' for school-assigned software. Unlike the 'edutainment' apps that just offer low-level drills and dopamine hits, Amplify actually tries to teach. If your kid’s school is using this, you’re in better hands than most—it’s built on solid research and respects student privacy.

That said, it’s still more screen time. If your kid is already using this for three subjects at school, you might want to be more aggressive about keeping the screens off once they get home. It’s high-quality work, but it’s still work.

Age Fit

Designed for K-12 students. The interface scales well, with simpler, more guided experiences for early elementary and more sophisticated, open-ended tools for high schoolers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's schoolwork, so the vibe is 'productive' rather than 'fun,' but it avoids the chaotic, high-dopamine loops of educational games. It's emotionally neutral and professional.

Imaginative

Desmos Math is a standout for visual exploration, and the science curriculum is inquiry-based. However, much of the literacy work is structured and follows a specific path.

Safe

Top-tier student privacy. They enter into strict Data Privacy Agreements with districts and don't sell data. No ads, no social feeds, no stranger danger.

Enriching

Built on the Science of Reading and high-quality pedagogy. This isn't digital busywork; it's a robust curriculum that builds actual background knowledge.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Real literacy science drives the CKLA program, focusing on the 'Reading Rope'—building both decoding skills and deep background knowledge.
Desmos Math integration turns abstract algebra into interactive, visual puzzles that kids can actually manipulate and understand.
Inquiry-based science moves away from rote memorization and toward 'doing' science, which is much better for keeping a kid's curiosity alive.
Privacy is ironclad because they deal directly with school districts, meaning your kid isn't being tracked by the usual ad-tech vampires.

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What to Watch For

The screen time tax is real. If your kid is using Amplify for literacy, math, AND science, they're spending a huge chunk of their school day staring at a laptop.
CKLA is rigorous and dense. For kids who struggle with focus, the sheer amount of text and structured lessons can feel like a mountain to climb.
It's not 'fun' in the way a game is. If your kid expects rewards and badges, they'll find this pretty dry—it's a tool, not a toy.

Conversation Starters

"What was the weirdest thing you learned in your science unit today?"
"Show me how that Desmos graph works—can you make it do something unexpected?"
"Are you reading a story in CKLA right now, or are you learning about a specific time in history?"
"Does the digital stuff feel easier or harder than using a physical textbook?"

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