GIS Mapping Software for Grades K-12

Engage students with maps in the classroom

Children are key to solving the world’s problems. Using interactive maps to explore data, illuminate patterns, and uncover relationships helps them build essential critical thinking skills. Esri provides many high-quality, no-cost resources for the classroom, integrating geographic content of all types—turning data into maps, stories, and knowledge.

Use maps without an account

Journey into classroom content through lessons that incorporate maps or launch your classroom maps into the digital age using National Geographic MapMaker. Lessons and MapMaker are no-cost and work in a web browser—no account required.

Find a lesson

Try MapMaker

Make maps with an account for adult users

Once you’re ready to create maps for your classroom, sign up for a no-cost ArcGIS public account. Only adults are eligible for public accounts.

A teacher wearing a white collared shirt using an open laptop at the front of a modern classroom

Complete projects and student mapping with an ArcGIS for Schools Bundle

Districts can request an ArcGIS for Schools Bundle to support data collection projects and student mapping. Accounts are provided for all teachers and students.

Request ArcGIS for your district

A teacher discusses an open laptop display with a teen student in a library, overlaid with a small heat map

Learn more about the types of accounts

Get details about the types of accounts available, including resources for using each type and a chart comparing their capabilities.

Get started with GIS for K–12 educators

Get ArcGIS for your district

The ArcGIS for Schools Bundle includes Professional Plus accounts for all teachers and students. Accounts provide secure access to mapping software, apps, and data.

ArcGIS Online

Organizational account

ArcGIS Online is a cloud-based GIS for using, creating, and sharing maps and apps.

Map Viewer
Scene Viewer (3D)
Analysis tools
Group sharing

Ready-to-use apps

Go beyond map viewing and authoring with specialized web and mobile apps.

ArcGIS StoryMaps
ArcGIS Survey123
ArcGIS Dashboards
National Geographic MapMaker

Add more

Ready-to-use data

Use a vast collection of existing data for research and analysis.

ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World
ArcGIS Business Analyst (web and mobile)

Advanced applications

Maximize your GIS power with advanced tools. Model 2D and 3D data. Perform advanced data management.

ArcGIS Pro Advanced (Windows)
ArcGIS Drone2Map Standard (Windows)
ArcGIS CityEngine (Windows)
ArcGIS Urban

Considerations before applying

No-cost accounts are for K–12 instructional use only. As part of your request, you must agree to the terms of use and meet the following criteria.

Who can apply

You must be a member of the IT staff or a curriculum lead for your district.
Based in the US

These forms are for districts based in the United States or a US district or territory. If you are outside the US, contact your distributor.

Find your distributor
Management requirements

When requesting the ArcGIS for Schools Bundle, you must be prepared to manage the software and accounts that come with it.

Learn about managing this bundle
No existing accounts

You and your students cannot already have access to accounts for your district.

Find out if your district has accounts
Privacy agreements

For districts requiring a privacy agreement, you must accept Esri’s pre-signed Data Processing Addendum (DPA).

Review the DPA

Review terms of use

Request an ArcGIS for Schools Bundle

Esri provides no-cost mapping software for use in K–12 instruction. Request ArcGIS for your district below. You’ll be contacted within a week. Email schools@esri.com if you have questions.

Submit request

Not in the US?

Contact your distributor

Mapping Software for K-12 Instruction