OpenCal

Guide · October 8, 2026

Free parent-teacher conference scheduler

A teacher needs one conference slot for each family, and no slot can be booked twice. OpenCal gives the teacher one free link that shows open slots. Each parent signs in and books one slot.

How do I schedule parent-teacher conferences for free?

OpenCal gives you one free link for parent-teacher conferences. Parents book conference times from that link. Sign in to OpenCal with Google or Microsoft. Choose the calendars that count as busy. In Settings, under Hours, turn on the conference days and set the hours for each day. Pick a meeting length such as 15 minutes. Share your link in a class newsletter or an email to parents.

Can I set different hours for each conference day?

Yes, OpenCal lets you set different hours for each day of the week, such as 9 to 12 and 2 to 5. OpenCal shows open slots only on those days and during those hours. OpenCal removes time that is busy on your connected calendars. Your hours repeat every week. Turn booking off when conferences end.

How do parents book a conference slot?

Parents book an OpenCal conference slot by opening your link and signing in with Google or Microsoft. OpenCal uses the parent's name and verified email from that account. The parent does not fill in a form. The parent picks an open slot and books it. A parent who does not sign in can still see your open slots.

How do I stop two parents from booking the same slot?

OpenCal prevents two parents from booking the same slot. OpenCal reads your calendars again before it saves a booking. The database refuses a second booking for an overlapping time. When two parents pick the same slot at the same moment, one booking succeeds. The other parent sees "That time was just taken."

Can each family book only one conference?

Yes, OpenCal one-time links let each family book one conference. Choose "One-time links only" beside Bookings. Press Copy new in the dock for each family. Each new link books one meeting. An unused one-time link expires 30 days after you make it.

Will the conference go on my calendar?

OpenCal keeps the booking by default. OpenCal can add bookings to a Google or Outlook calendar instead. You see bookings under Bookings. In Settings, under Booking, choose the calendar. That calendar adds the parent as a guest and emails the invite. OpenCal itself sends no email.

How do I find a time for a meeting with several parents or staff?

Make a group poll. Your link books one family at a time. A group poll finds one time for several people. People can answer without an account. Each person enters a name and marks the times they are free. The poll lists the times when the most people are free.

What does it cost?

OpenCal is free.

Get your OpenCal link

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