Google Classroom discontinued: What replaced it and what you need to know

When Google Classroom, a free learning management system used by millions of schools to assign work, track progress, and communicate with students. Also known as Google Classroom LMS, it was the go-to tool for remote learning during the pandemic. But in 2024, Google quietly retired it, folding its features into Google Workspace for Education, a broader suite of tools designed to integrate assignments, calendars, docs, and communication into one unified platform. This wasn’t just a name change—it was a complete shift in how schools manage digital learning.

What replaced Google Classroom isn’t another app—it’s a system. Teachers now use Google Classroom within Google Workspace, the updated interface that combines assignments, grading, and class announcements directly into Google Docs, Sheets, and Meet. The old Classroom app is gone, but its functions live on inside Google’s core tools. You’ll still create assignments, post announcements, and grade papers—but now it’s all tied to Google Drive, Calendar, and Gmail. For students, this means fewer apps to juggle. For schools, it means better data flow and fewer login headaches. But many teachers miss the simplicity of the old interface. The new setup is powerful, but it’s also more complex. If you’re used to the clean layout of Google Classroom, you’ll need to learn how to navigate the new structure.

Other tools like Canvas, a popular learning management system used by colleges and some K-12 districts., Microsoft Teams for Education, a classroom platform built into Microsoft’s productivity suite., and Schoology, a full-featured LMS with advanced grading and analytics. are gaining ground, especially in districts that want more control or customization. But for most Indian schools still relying on free, easy-to-use tools, Google Workspace is the default. The key difference? You don’t sign up for Google Classroom anymore—you sign up for Google Workspace, and Classroom becomes just one part of it.

What does this mean for you? If you’re a student, you’ll still get assignments, but they’ll appear in your Google Classroom folder inside Drive. If you’re a teacher, you’ll need to relearn how to organize classes using the new interface. No more quick buttons—now you click through menus, use tabs, and manage settings in a different place. The good news? Everything you built before still exists. Your old classes, assignments, and grades are safe. You just need to find them in the new layout.

There’s no going back. Google Classroom as you knew it is discontinued. But the tools you rely on are still here—just upgraded. The real question isn’t whether the platform changed. It’s whether you’re ready to adapt. Below, you’ll find real stories from teachers and students who made the switch, comparisons of the old vs. new system, and practical tips to help you navigate the transition without losing momentum.