Keep Students Safer with Access Control Systems for Schools

Places of learning should be places of safety. But many educational institutions, including schools, struggle to stop unauthorized people from accessing the grounds to damage buildings, or harm students and staff.

Thankfully, there is something schools can do about it – install an access control system.

Why Access Control Systems for Schools are Necessary

As part of a larger security system, these systems can ensure that every door is secure, every visitor is monitored, and every student feels protected. Modern access control systems for schools digitally track and record visitor data, limit unauthorized entries, monitor access points, and track entries and exits for security reasons. Only trusted administrators can control who can enter specific areas of your campus.

After all, you don’t have the budget to assign a security officer to every school door and gateway 24/7/365. An access control system is the next best thing.

How Do Access Control Systems Work for Schools?

To get the full picture, let’s imagine you’re a student entering a school equipped with our advanced access control solutions for schools. Video surveillance is crucial in protecting young people and ensuring school safety. For a typical academic installment, the team at ElectroMedia would design an access control system with three layers:

First, Access Control Systems for Exterior Perimeters

Let’s say you’re pulling up to school in your parents’ car. You notice cameras and a new electronic gate at the entrance that requires an RFID key card for entry. School security cameras are strategically placed to monitor and enhance the school security systems. Thankfully, you have your ID card, which allows you to pass through easily. Only people and vehicles with these cards can enter the school grounds.

Second, Access Control Systems for Entrances and Exits

Once parked, you approach the main entrance. Here, you scan your student ID again to open the door. The access control system logs that you’ve entered the building and notifies the front office that you’ve arrived.

Thanks to these new security measures, every entry and exit point is monitored and controlled throughout the school day.

This is especially important for keeping track of students in case of emergency. Thanks to automated logging, administrators can see who’s in what room during fire drills or an actual emergency, making sure they’re safe and accounted for. This enhanced security ensures that all assets are protected and provides peace of mind.

Third, and Finally, Access Control Systems for Interior Doors

Your ID allows you to access the library, gymnasium, and a few other locations inside the school. However, there are some doors your ID doesn’t unlock. For example, administrative offices or storage rooms are off-limits to students. Only staff members know the keypad codes or have the proper badge to get into these areas, ensuring enhanced physical security.

4 Considerations for School Access Control Systems

Say you’re looking at investing in an access control system for your school. First, that’s awesome! Second, there are a few things you should consider while you look for the right fit:

1. Who needs access to what: Decide which doors and areas students and teachers need access to, and which ones only teachers should access. After all, you don’t want students to be able to get into the janitor’s closet.

2. Types of access control: There are all kinds of ways to control going in and out of your school, from simple key cards to biometric scanners (think Mission Impossible fingerprint readers). It’s up to you to decide what kind of controls you should use and can afford.

3. How user-friendly they are: It’s important that whatever system you choose is easy for students, teachers, and staff to use. Complicated systems can slow things down, especially during an emergency. You want fast, easy, powerful systems.

4. What they integrate with: Make sure your access system can work with other security systems your school already has, like video cameras, alarms, or intercoms.

5. Remember, access control is just one piece of the school security puzzle. But it’s an important one. They demonstrate that your school is serious about the safety of everyone inside it.

Think You Don't Need One? Perform a Security Audit to Be Sure.

Trust us, it’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds. While you can make it as simple – or as in-depth – as you like, the best audits usually contain these three steps:

• Check Your Entry Points: Walk around the school and count how many entrances and exits there are. Are all of them secure, or can someone slip into them without being noticed?

• Review Visitor Policies: How does your school handle visitors? Do they require them to sign in at the front desk, or can they just come in whenever they feel like it?

• Talk to Your Community: Ask teachers, parents, and students to rate how safe they feel in school. Their answers might show you where improvements could be made.

And if you find any gaps, it might be time to invest in secure access controls. When it comes to school safety and addressing security concerns, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Implement Access Control Systems for Schools Today with ElectroMedia

At ElectroMedia, we want our schools to be safe havens for learning. That's why we work with you to build an access control system that fits your layout, meets your needs, and exceeds your expectations by integrating with a reliable access control provider. Once designed, we’ll install it and support you every step of the way. Reach out to see how we can secure your school today!