CLIENT TYPE | Catalyst Academy Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school serving kindergarten through 5th grade students.
LOCATION | Pittsburgh’s Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood
MISSION | To create a world-class K-8 school where all children are prepared for college, career, and life. We believe in order for our students to be catalysts for their future, and the future for their families and communities, they need to be well prepared for college, career, and life.
USERS | Total of about 285 users – 60 faculty and staff and approximately 225 students
Providing attentive, local support
Catalyst Academy originally contracted with a national IT provider. However, partnering with a large, remote organization meant that Catalyst did not receive the prompt attention that a school needs. When issues arose, it often took days to resolve problems and frequently meant being passed off to different departments that handled individual aspects of their technology ecosystem. This delay caused significant issues for a school, where problems must be addressed in minutes rather than days.
By providing comprehensive services and support, we can address issues that arise in every part of Catalyst’s IT infrastructure. As a local provider, we’re only five miles away, which allows us to respond quickly and makes troubleshooting and problem-solving much more efficient. We’re familiar with the staff, and we’ve become part of their team in a way that was never possible with their previous provider.
Services Provided
Business Phone
Managed Wi-Fi
Apple Consultant
Infrastructure
Onsite Hardware Deployment & Maintenance
Cloud Products
& Tools
Security
Impact of FSA Consulting IT & Tech Solutions
“Working with FSA Consulting this school year has been amazing. In just a short time, the use of technology in our school has evolved dramatically. With the help, support, and expertise of FSA, we have rolled out hundreds of student devices, web safety systems such as Go Guardian and Apple Classroom, and installed and implemented a school wide intercom system. On top of that, the quick response and day to day IT support has really helped Catalyst Academy provide enhanced educational materials for our scholars.”
Andra Feldman
Manager of School Operations
Catalyst Academy
Business Phone
Our business phone solutions provide Catalyst Academy with a comprehensive, hosted phone system, providing seamless communication across the school. Each classroom is equipped with phones, and we integrate the overhead paging system directly into the phone network.
Managed Wi-Fi
Different technology platforms are managed by different mobile device management frameworks. For example, a fleet of iPads has different network considerations than a fleet of Chromebooks. Wi-Fi segmentation for faculty, students, iPads, Chromebooks, guests and BYODs is imperitive. Our managed Wi-Fi infrastructure ensures fast, secure, and reliable wireless connectivity for all Wi-Fi segments. This includes deploying, monitoring, and maintaining access points throughout the building to guarantee coverage for all students.
Apple Consultant
As a Certified Apple Consultant, we manage all of Catalyst’s iPads with different profiles built for students, faculty and administrators, customized with the exact tools, apps, and restrictions each group needs for maximum productivity and safety. We use Jamf Pro, an industry-leading tool, to manage updates, security settings, and app deployment for all
Apple devices.
Infrastructure
We manage Catalyst Academy’s entire IT infrastructure, including routers, switches, and the overall network design. After evaluating their old system, we implemented a highly efficient, reliable, and scalable network that supports the school’s operational needs.
Onsite hardware deployment & maintenance
From installing new devices to troubleshooting and repairing existing ones, we handle all hardware needs, including Chromebooks, iPads, and classroom phones. Because the FSA offices are close to the school, we can respond to support needs and regularly pick up and repair damaged devices.
Cloud Products & Tools
We provide Catalyst Academy with a number of cloud-based tools and products to streamline their operations. This includes managing platforms that handle student data, educational resources, and administrative tasks. These solutions allow the school to operate more efficiently by reducing the need for onsite storage and maintenance.
Security
We provide ID badges with embedded RFID chips that regulate entry and manage all of Catalyst Academy’s access control systems. We also oversee the software and systems that control who has access to specific zones within the school.
Catalyst is preparing today’s learners for college, career, and life.
We are proud to support the students, faculty, and staff of Catalyst Academy. FSA Consulting is ready to partner with you to develop customized IT solutions for your organization.