Merge duplicate families

Combine two records for the same family so their students, parents and balance live in one place.

Students and families2 min read

Sometimes the same family ends up in FrontRow twice, for example when a parent registers online with a new email or someone at the front desk adds them again. Merging moves everything from the duplicate into the family you keep.

Review possible duplicates#

When a family registers online with an email that several families already use, FrontRow doesn't guess which one they belong to. It creates a new family and lists it under Possible duplicates at the top of the Students page.

For each one you can:

  • Select Merge into (followed by the family's name) next to the right match to merge it.
  • Select Not a duplicate if it really is a separate family. It leaves the list and nothing else changes.

Merge a duplicate from the family page#

  1. Open the family you want to keep (from Students, choose View Profile).
  2. Select Merge a duplicate at the top of the page.
  3. Under Find the duplicate, search by family name, parent or email, then select Search.
  4. Select Pick next to the duplicate.
  5. Check the summary. It shows the students, parents, balance and saved cards that will move, and what the family will look like afterwards.
  6. Select Merge into (followed by the family's name) to finish.

If you picked the wrong one, select Pick another before you merge.

What moves#

Everything on the duplicate moves to the family you keep:

  • Students and parents
  • Enrollments, upcoming charges and class packs
  • The balance (any amount owed or in credit)
  • Saved cards and bank accounts
  • Signed policies and messages

The duplicate's past payment history stays on the duplicate, which is then archived. The balance moves across as a matching pair of entries so your totals still add up.

Can I undo a merge?#

No. A merge can't be undone, so check the summary carefully before you confirm.

What if the merge is blocked?#

If a payment from the duplicate is still processing (bank payments can take a few days), FrontRow won't merge yet so the same money isn't collected twice. Try again once the payment has settled.

Who can do this#

Only owners and admins can merge families. Front desk staff can see the Possible duplicates list and mark families as not duplicates.

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