The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Phone System for Your School

Everything you need to know about school phone systems, including features, benefits, competitive pricing analysis, and how to craft a solution that’s best for your academic institution and budget.

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In our ever-evolving digital age, dependable and feature-rich communication systems powered by VoIP and cloud phone technology are crucial for institutions of higher learning. With the safety of students, teachers, and staff at stake, outdated or nearing end-of-life solutions are gambles institutions cannot afford to make.

In the event of a security breach, natural disaster, or other urgent situations, a subpar communication system might falter when it's needed most.

A school's communication infrastructure isn't just about the system itself—the service provider's reputation is equally critical. A wrong choice could mean settling for a system that fails to meet your needs and potentially incurs higher costs.

 

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Choosing the Best VoIP Features & Functions for Your School

The sheer volume of VoIP phone systems for your school can feel overwhelming. But making this important tech decision shouldn't be rushed. That's why teaming up with a trusted phone provider can be a game-changer—they'll guide you through the maze and might even help you save some bucks!

When considering critical communication system features, it's essential to prioritize reliability, smart features, scalability, and flexibility. As a longstanding Sangoma partner, CCi recommends Switchvox Unified Communications as a top choice for those looking to replace or upgrade their phone system.

feed Read our blog, The Best VoIP Phone Systems for Schools.”

 

school emergency alert notifaction on multiple devices

Enhanced 911 for Safe, Effective Communications

Imagine a scenario where your school needs to implement an emergency lockdown due to a security alert. In such moments, a swift and accurate response is paramount. An outdated 911 system may falter, but a modern, compliant system ensures that law enforcement and first responders are alerted efficiently. Enhanced 911 (E911) systems further refine this process by providing real-time location details with each call, pinpointing the exact location of the incident within the school premises.

feed Read our blog, Why Reliable 911 Is Important for School Phone Systems.”

 

teacher doing video conference on headset

Updating Old Phone Systems While Staying Within Budget

Your phone system might be showing its age with telltale signs like really thin digital (instead of IP) phone wires and other analog components. Transitioning to a new system might seem like a hefty financial endeavor, but rest assured, it's an investment that can fit within your budget.

We offer solutions that balance both the features you desire and affordability. For transparency and confidence, our competitive pricing analysis showcases our commitment to value.

feed Read our blog, It's Time to Replace Your School’s Legacy Phone System.

 

Teacher on laptop communicating with student at home

Learning as Usual With Cloud-Based Connections & Communications

Everyone might be weary of revisiting the COVID lockdowns. However, it’s vital to recognize that, amid the chaos, academia transformed to prevent lesson gaps and learning slumps. Administrators, educators, and students all had to quickly adapt and adjust to this new way of teaching and communicating.

With a bit of an initial adjustment, cloud-based technology fostered successful learning connections with minimal disruption during a tumultuous time.

feed Read our blog, How Cloud-Based Technology Connects Students And Teachers.”

 

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Selecting a Private & Independent School Phone System 

When the time comes to select a phone system, it’s imperative that you become immersed in the topic. At CCi Voice, we do that leg work for you, as we outline the best VoIP features and functions to consider for your school communication system.  For private institutions, it's also essential to factor in the availability of extra funds for technology expenses.

As an independent school, operations primarily rely on donations, tuition, and annual fund campaigns. This means costs become an even greater concern compared to other academic settings. Additionally, flexibility, scalability, enhanced security measures, and mobility rank high on the priority list.

feed Read our blog, 5 Reasons Why Private & Independent Schools Should Choose Cloud Phone Systems.”

 

female school teacher using cellphone at her desk

When Is it Time to Upgrade Your School’s Intercom System?

The latest intercom systems provide enhanced safety, and can be integrated with access control systems, video surveillance, information displays in hallways and other safety devices. Contributing to quality of life and safety, these communication facilitators also deliver other important efficiencies, such as rapid response, internal broadcasting and messaging, and crystal-clear audio quality.

feed Read our blog, When Should You Replace or Upgrade Your School Intercom System?”

 

teacher on virtual call talking to students

VoIP Phone Systems Elevate Communication, Collaboration & Safety Within Schools

In recent years, many businesses have gravitated toward VoIP due to its flexibility, pricing, and vast features. Schools have followed suit because of easy-to-use technology for communication efforts among parents, students, and teachers. Its versatility is also a selling point as information can be accessed from any mobile device. Meanwhile, if you’re holding onto traditional landlines, communication can still occur through a compatible adapter. 

feed Read our blog, VoIP for Schools: Top Features & Benefits.”

 

school teacher using phone and tablet in classroom

Staying Connected While Adhering to Regulatory Requirements

Managing a school system is an all-encompassing responsibility that requires all of your time and undivided attention. Even with cutting-edge communication systems in place, all facilities must adhere to the latest Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.

But with CCi Voice, you never have to worry about compliance because we’ve built it into the very fabric of our operations. Whether it’s outlining policies, managing parental communication consent, or securing student data, we can help untangle the complex web of FCC regulations.

feed Read our blog, FCC Regulations & Your School Phone System.”

 

Takeaway

Whether you're ready to make a change to your school phone system or are in the midst of an upgrade, CCi Voice is ready to help you. In addition to delivering a comprehensive phone system, we offer training, troubleshooting, and ongoing support–ensuring you're never left in the lurch and always have our assistance.

 

 

CCi Voice is completely transparent when it comes to pricing. View our pricing page to see how cost-effective we are, and all the features we include—at no extra charge—when compared to the competition!

CCi Voice Pricing & Competitive Analysis