API Example

PowerSchool SIS supports programmatic data exchange through APIs. An integration typically uses a PowerSchool plugin that identifies the resources it may access. PowerSchool generates OAuth 2.0 client credentials for a plugin configured for data exchange, and the external application exchanges those credentials for an access token.

Typical integration sequence

Configure access

Install and enable an approved plugin, review the resources it requests, and retrieve its client ID and client secret from Data Provider Configuration.

Authenticate

Use the plugin credentials through the supported OAuth 2.0 flow to obtain a short-lived access token. Keep credentials and tokens out of browser code, URLs, logs, and source control.

Request and validate

Send an authorized HTTPS request, check the HTTP status, validate the response structure, handle throttling, and expose only the minimum student data required.

Illustrative student request

Endpoint pattern

GET /ws/v1/district/student/{student_id}

Request headers

Authorization: Bearer {access_token}
Accept: application/json

Example request

GET /ws/v1/district/student/12345 HTTP/1.1
Host: district.example.powerschool.com
Authorization: Bearer {access_token}
Accept: application/json

Example response

{
  "student": {
    "id": 12345,
    "firstName": "Jordan",
    "lastName": "Example",
    "gradeLevel": 10,
    "enrollmentStatus": "Active",
    "schoolId": 1,
    "dateOfBirth": "2009-08-15",
    "address": {
      "city": "Example City",
      "state": "CA",
      "postalCode": "90000"
    },
    "contacts": [
      {
        "name": "Family Contact",
        "relationship": "Parent/Guardian",
        "phone": "555-0100",
        "email": "This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."
      }
    ]
  }
}

Implementation notes

Confirm the data contract. Verify the exact endpoint, method, query parameters, field names, and response schema available to the plugin.
Request an access token. Use the approved OAuth configuration and keep the client secret on a trusted server.
Make the API request. Include the bearer token and request JSON. Respect PowerSchool's configured request interval and retry guidance.
Validate the response. Check the status code and content type before parsing JSON. Do not assume optional fields are always present.
Minimize and protect the data. Transform, transmit, and retain only what the receiving system is authorized to use.

Official PowerSchool resources

View OAuth Client Credentials

PowerSchool guidance for plugin-generated client IDs, client secrets, and credential regeneration.

Configure Global API and SIF Settings

PowerSchool guidance covering data-event services and per-plugin API request throttling.