Case Study: Connections Academy
How One of the Largest Virtual School Networks Scaled Communication with Bulk Texter Pro
About Connections Academy
Connections Academy is a nationwide network of tuition-free, online public schools serving students in grades K–12. With thousands of enrolled students and a fully virtual teaching staff, maintaining timely, consistent communication with families is essential.
The Challenge
Without Bulk Texter Pro, Connections Academy teachers rely on emails and manual Google Voice texts for written communication with students and parents.
Common struggles included:
- Disengaged students
- Unanswered calls
- Emails left unread and ignored by both students and parents
- No easy way to send messages to multiple students
- Time-consuming manual texting
The Solution
We worked with 10 Connections Academy schools to roll out Bulk Texter Pro to all of their staff, to streamline and scale text-based communication.
Key benefits:
- Seamless Google Voice integration, which Connections Academy schools were already using.
- Bulk messaging to classes, cohorts, or parents.
- Message tracking and history.
- Centralized license management for school admins.
The Results (6 Months Later)
We surveyed over 300 Connections Academy teachers six months after implementation. Here’s how they rated us:
Software Satisfaction
4.7 / 5
Training Experience
4.6 / 5
Customer Support
4.8 / 5
What Teachers said
We can't share every response we got (there were over 300!), but here are our favorites!
"I can't say enough!!! This has been a lifesaver! Being able to send out personalized messages in just a few clicks has saved me so much time. The CSV upload feature is a game-changer, and I love how easy it is to use right out of the box."
— Connections Academy Teacher
“I had a parent thank me for always using her child's name directly and keeping her more informed than any teacher she's ever had!”
— Connections Academy Teacher
"The training was fantastic! The videos, support, and resources made getting started a super easy. And the in person encouragement on our zoom training was incredible."
— Connections Academy Teacher
"Cambium testing reminders, EOS reminders, state testing reminders -I use it all the time! Game changer!"
— Connections Academy Teacher
"Kids are so much more engaged, parents think I spend so much time sending these texts."
— Connections Academy Teacher
"My PLC sent text messages to STs on the morning of MAP testing for science and our numbers for participation were higher than any other grade level."
— Connections Academy Teacher
"My students are required to come to my Live Lessons, and I typically had not great turnout. Now that I can schedule text reminders for before my lessons, my attendance has improved dramatically."
— Connections Academy Teacher
"The percent of kids who answer when I call them for the calls they booked has at least doubled."
— Connections Academy Teacher
"There was one time I needed to remind a group of students about an important deadline. I sent a quick message through Bulk Texter Pro, and within minutes, I had students responding and getting things turned in. No way that would have happened as quickly with emails!"
— Connections Academy Teacher
"I use this to get out news and my response rate has increase so much from previous years!"
— Connections Academy Teacher
"I had 99% completion on my check-ins in semester A (was unable to reach 1 student)! Each week I sent out a reminder text message via bulk texter pro to students who still needed their check-in with me...asking them to book a call (I included my booking link) or attend a LiveLesson session to meet with me. I believe the text message reminders had the biggest impact on finally getting those last 40 or so students done with their check-in (who had previously not responded to the webmail, phone calls, and student planner reminders/opportunities for a check-in)."
— Connections Academy Teacher
"I sent 'way to go' texts to all of the students that ended the semester with an A or B. I wouldn't have been able to do that individually."
— Connections Academy Teacher
“Sending personalized encouragement has changed the way my students engage in my class!”
— Connections Academy Teacher
“Bulk Texter Pro has allowed me to communicate with my families more often and more more efficiently!”
— Connections Academy Teacher
“I am a better teacher because of Bulk Texter Pro, I have never had my students more engaged. This has created such a positive learning environment for my students!”
— Connections Academy Teacher
"I have never had an easier year communicating."
— Connections Academy Teacher
“Bulk Texter Pro has significantly improved response rates and engagement. It allows for quick updates, reminders, and follow-ups, making communication seamless, especially in a virtual school setting.”
— Connections Academy Teacher
"My parents are so impressed by my communication this year. This tool is my saving grace!!"
— Connections Academy Teacher
"It has made contacting my students significantly easier and helped lower my failing rates because I can reach out to multiple students and caretakers at once."
— Connections Academy Teacher
"Bulk Texter Pro has completely transformed the way I communicate. The CSV upload feature is a lifesaver, allowing me to personalize messages effortlessly. The ability to send bulk texts quickly, efficiently, and with a personal touch has made my job so much easier!" — Connections Academy Teacher
"Bulk Texter Pro is one of those tools I didn’t realize I needed until I started using it—and now I can’t imagine working without it. It’s easy, fast, and just makes communication so much better. Highly recommend!"
— Connections Academy Teacher
The above quotes are from anonymous Connections Academy staff who responded to our 6-month implementation survey (300+ respondents across 10 schools).
Lessons Learned
- Ease of use matters. Teachers quickly adopted the tool with minimal training.
- Support drives success. Responsive help made onboarding smooth.
- Scaling communication improves student outcomes. Personalized bulk outreach led to better student engagement, increased call attendance, and reduced failing rates.
Ready to Empower Your School?
If you're a virtual or hybrid school looking to improve communication at scale, let’s talk. Click below to see our purchasing guide for schools.
See School Licensing OptionsOr contact us directly: [email protected].