# Getting Started

Welcome to **TradeSchool Manager**. This guide walks through the first setup steps for a new site.

## 1. Configure your school

Open **TradeSchool > Settings > General** and set:

- School name
- School logo
- Brand color
- Grading scale

The school name and logo appear on PDFs, portals, and email templates.

## 2. Create your first school year

Open **TradeSchool > School Years** and add a school year with a start date and end date. The active school year controls the default year used by dashboards, student lists, classes, gradebooks, and reports.

Use the school year switcher in the admin topbar when you need to view a different year.

## 3. Add programs

A program is a course of study, such as HVAC Technician, Welding, or Cosmetology. Open **TradeSchool > Programs** and create at least one program.

If the Invoicing add-on is installed, tuition pricing and payment rules are configured on the program.

## 4. Build classes

Open **TradeSchool > Classes** and create the classes students will take. For each class, choose:

- Teacher
- School year
- Grading method
- Passing percentage
- Credits, when applicable

After the class exists, use **TradeSchool > Assignments** to add assignments and due dates.

## 5. Add students

Open **TradeSchool > Students** to add students manually. You can also use **TradeSchool > Import / Export** to import students from a CSV file.

If the Applications add-on is installed, applicants can be converted into students after they are accepted.

## 6. Review portal pages

TradeSchool Manager can create portal pages for you with the correct shortcode already placed on each page. Review the selected pages under **TradeSchool > Settings > Portal Pages**.

Common portal shortcodes are:

- `[tsm_student_login]`
- `[tsm_student_portal]`
- `[tsm_teacher_login]`
- `[tsm_teacher_portal]`
- `[tsm_parent_signup]`
- `[tsm_parent_portal]`

The sponsor portal still uses the historical `tsm_parent_*` shortcode names for compatibility.

## 7. Review email templates

Open **TradeSchool > Settings > Email Templates** and review the default wording before inviting students, teachers, or sponsors. Update the school name, tone, and contact information so messages are ready for real users.

## Next steps

- Read **School Years and Rollover** before starting a new academic year.
- Read **Gradebook** before entering grades.
- Read **Portals** before inviting students, teachers, or sponsors.
