About Salem Christian Academy
At Salem Christian Academy, education is about more than academics. It’s about nurturing hearts and minds through a Christ-centered approach that integrates faith into every subject — from math and science to reading and heritage studies. With nearly 200 students enrolled, the school continues to grow, preparing for its first graduating class in 2028. But as the Academy expanded, managing its operations became increasingly complex.
The Challenge: Too Many Systems, Too Much Complexity
Before adopting DreamClass, Salem Christian Academy managed its day-to-day tasks through a combination of tools: Google Forms for applications, Blackbaud for tuition, and ThinkWave for grades. Teachers used separate systems to enter grades, administrators tracked tuition through spreadsheets, and families juggled multiple logins just to stay informed.
“Parents wanted one login. We wanted one place to see everything,” recalls Olivia Beroth, Head of School.
The fragmented system created confusion and unnecessary workload. Admissions data had to be retyped manually, tuition reports were unclear, and parents lacked access to live grades. With a growing community and expanding grade levels, the leadership team needed a unified solution that could simplify operations and restore focus on teaching and community.
The Turning Point: Discovering DreamClass
When Olivia and Business Administrator Melissa discovered DreamClass, they immediately recognized it as the all-in-one solution they had been looking for. It promised to bring admissions, tuition, grades, and communication under one roof — without the high costs and complexity of other platforms.
“We were paying top dollar before and still had to keep a separate Google Sheet to track tuition,” says Melissa. “Now I can see unpaid invoices at a glance and message families directly.”
The switch was transformative. Applications now feed directly into the system, automatically creating student profiles and eliminating double entry. Parents gained 24/7 access to grades, tuition balances, and attendance — empowering them to stay engaged without needing multiple systems.
Building Community Through Simplicity
Technology became a tool for connection rather than complication. One of Olivia’s favorite features is the birthday reminder on DreamClass’s home screen. Every afternoon, she uses it to send heartfelt birthday announcements to students and staff over the school’s walkie-talkie system.
“I love acknowledging birthdays,” she shares. “It’s a simple way to make everyone feel appreciated — and the reminders ensure no one is missed.”
It’s a small touch that perfectly mirrors Salem’s mission: cultivating not only academic excellence but also community and care.
A Partnership That Listens
From the beginning, the DreamClass team worked hand-in-hand with Salem to ensure a smooth transition. Early onboarding involved challenges, such as aligning enrollment fields and customizing applications, but support was always fast, personal, and hands-on.
“Instead of making us fit their box, DreamClass helped us build ours” Olivia explains. “Whenever we asked for something, like a new report card layout or admissions update, the team listened and created it.”
Teachers quickly adapted, guided by simple training and ongoing support. Today, attendance, grading, and report cards happen seamlessly, and new staff learn the system effortlessly each year.
Real Results Across the Board
The improvements are visible in every department:
- Admissions: The move from Google Forms to DreamClass eliminated data duplication and manual entry. Applications are faster and cleaner than ever.
- Tuition: Transparent dashboards replaced complex spreadsheets, giving Melissa instant visibility into overdue payments.
- Report Cards: Professional, customizable report cards enhanced communication and saved hours of manual work.
- Parent Engagement: With real-time access to information, families feel more connected and involved in their children’s education.
“DreamClass checks all the boxes for us” says Olivia. “It’s truly a one-stop shop.”
Schedule a meeting with our experts to discover how DreamClass can perfectly meet your school’s needs!
Looking Ahead
As Salem Christian Academy continues to grow — adding new grades and expanding its programs — DreamClass remains an integral partner. Upcoming features like tardiness tracking, data analytics, and meal management will further streamline daily operations and provide deeper insight into school trends.
“Features matter” Olivia concludes, “but what really makes the difference is customer service. With DreamClass, we have both.”
