"ClassDojo works great because it’s very engaging. It’s not just a communication tool. The platform has an element of fun to it, and that’s another reason it’s easy to get people to adopt."
Shane Strubhart
Chief of Communications
Spring Independent School Districts (ISD), located 20 miles north of Houston, is a diverse district serving over 34,000 students across 43 campuses. With a significant proportion of students coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and a student mobility rate of over 20%, Spring ISD faced unique challenges in maintaining strong communication between families, teachers, and school leaders. This led them to start using ClassDojo district-wide in 2023, as part of a broader initiative to improve communication and support student success.
From one-way communication to real engagement
Before switching to ClassDojo, Spring ISD relied on Blackboard, a one-way communication tool that limited the ability for parents to engage in meaningful, two-way conversations with teachers. Teachers were also using a variety of other unvetted communication tools, leading to concerns about data security and consistency. The district wanted a consolidated, secure platform that could provide both communication and classroom management features, while also aligning with the needs of a highly mobile student population. Spring ISD’s IT department also had concerns about the security and cost of alternative platforms, as many solutions were expensive—ranging from $40,000 to $120,000—and did not adequately address the district's needs.
After consulting with teachers and receiving feedback from the community, it became clear to Spring ISD that ClassDojo was the most widely used tool among educators. It made two-way communication between teachers and families easy, provided real-time feedback, and helped build trust and foster a more collaboration between home and school. It also offered a completely secure platform with single sign-on functionality, and was entirely free of charge—a significant benefit for Spring ISD, given that Texas has one of the lowest levels of school funding in the nation.
One platform, infinite possibilities
Spring ISD’s primary goal was to enhance parent engagement, which research shows is a key indicator of student success. By consolidating communication into one platform, ClassDojo made it easier for families to stay involved and connected with their child’s education. Teachers could send direct updates about student progress, behavioral feedback, and upcoming events. Additionally, the ability to create campus-wide events and send reminders resulted in greater parent attendance and involvement.
Happier classrooms
Spring ISD found that ClassDojo’s unique range of features not only improved communication, but also aided classroom management. Teachers were able to use the platform to award points for positive behavior and track student progress, which proved more engaging than traditional methods and fostered a more positive environment.
A secure, private platform
With a heightened focus on data privacy, ensuring the security of student and family information was a top priority for Spring ISD. ClassDojo’s robust security protocols gave the district confidence that it was protecting sensitive data while also providing teachers and parents with a safe, user-friendly platform for communication.
A cost-effective solution
With many districts facing budget deficits, the free nature of ClassDojo was a significant advantage. While other platforms required costly subscriptions, ClassDojo provided Spring ISD with a powerful communication tool at no cost. This was especially valuable given that 80% of Texas school districts operate with a budget deficit.
Rapid adoption
ClassDojo’s ease of use and engaging features led to quick adoption across Spring ISD’s schools. The district initially targeted elementary schools achieving 100% usage, and gradually expanded to middle schools as well. To encourage adoption, the district recognized schools that excelled in using the platform, rewarding them with care packages, which further fueled interest and usage across the district.
White-glove service
Spring ISD also found ClassDojo’s customer service and ongoing support invaluable, which included training resources and regular check-ins. The district appreciated how ClassDojo operated as a true partner, offering regular feedback and insights on how to improve the user experience.
Conclusion
ClassDojo has proven highly effective for Spring ISD. Family engagement has increased significantly, and the platform’s ease of use and engaging features have helped teachers manage classrooms more effectively. The ability to track usage and engagement has also helped the district monitor and refine its approach over time, all within a secure and cost-effective solution. ClassDojo is playing a key role in driving Spring ISD’s mission of student success through strong home-school partnerships.
