Access Control Systems for Schools: 2025 Buyer’s Guide

Student and staff safety has become a top priority in schools across the country. From break-ins to data leaks, schools are facing mounting threats that make unauthorized access a growing concern. For instance, a survey found that 25% of U.S. school administrators reported cyberattacks in their districts, including unauthorized access to sensitive data.

These breaches not only disrupted operations, but also exposed sensitive student and employee data to real danger. That’s why investing in robust access control systems is essential for keeping schools safe from intruders. 

These systems safeguard physical and digital environments by preventing unauthorized individuals from entering school buildings or accessing private information. In this guide, you’ll learn how school security systems work and how to choose the right one to keep your school one step ahead of potential threats.

What is a School Access Control System?

Access control systems for schools are smart security setups that regulate who walks in and out, keeping unwanted visitors out and creating a safer, more conducive learning environment for everyone on campus. A typical school access control system has various components, including the following:

Physical Barriers

These are physical structures installed around the campus to limit access and deter unauthorized individuals from entering the building. For high-level security, they can be used together with electronic access security systems. Physical barriers include security gates, fences, door locks, turnstiles, bollards, and walls.

Door Controllers

Door controllers enable only registered users to gain entry using their credentials. They are usually installed on doors and linked to an access system. These can be multiple-door controllers connected to a network or PC, single-door controllers that operate independently, or a mix of the two.

Access Control Management Software

As the core of the access control system, the management software handles detailed management, keeps access records, reviews access rights, and manages other related information. Think of it like the backbone of the entire access control system where all access events are managed.

Access Control Panels

Think of access control panels as the system’s traffic controller. They receive, interpret, and direct signals between card readers, door locks, and the main software to ensure everything runs seamlessly.

Access Control Devices

Whether it’s a biometric scan, a simple swipe of an RFID card, or a facial recognition scan at the door, these devices do one job: instantly verify you and decide if you’re going in or staying out.

How Do Access Control Systems Work for Schools?

Using both hardware and software, access control systems help school administrators and facility managers to manage who can enter certain places within the school and when. Authorized individuals simply swipe their cards, tap their mobile phones, or enter a PIN code to gain access. 

The system then authenticates their credentials to determine whether or not they will be allowed entry. School access control systems work in different ways across various entry points, which we’ve discussed below.

Access Control for Exterior Perimeters

Layered access control is paramount for school safety and many campuses are already implementing it. In 2022, 97% of public schools controlled access to their buildings during school hours and asked guests to check or sign in and wear badges. 

This first line of defense often starts with fencing and gated entry points to restrict access to the school’s perimeter. For elementary schools, installing external access control systems around recess zones and playgrounds provides an additional layer of security for kids as they play. 

You can manage the gate using keycards, gate codes, or on-site security staff, safeguarding the school’s perimeter before anyone reaches the front door.

Access Control Systems for Entrances and Exits

One of the effective ways to boost school security is by locking up where people pass through. Set up access control systems at main entrances so you know exactly who’s walking through your doors and the times they do. 

You can easily do this by keeping all external doors locked from the outside except for major entrances. By doing this, everyone only enters through the entryways you prefer and monitor. However, one downside to this approach is crowding, particularly during morning drop-offs. 

To minimize traffic, you can designate a single visitor entrance beside the main office for screening and check-in. Then permit some faculty and staff to open the door using RFID keycards. 

While these entry points are locked to the public, they offer a secure, convenient entry for people who need it. That said, always prioritize safety by keeping all doors open from the inside in case of emergencies.

Access Control for Interior Doors

Not all doors within a school should be open to everyone, that’s where you deploy interior access control. Beyond securing the main entrances, many schools hire security personnel to monitor sensitive places.

Notably, 60.6% of schools have at least one security staff member and an armed officer on-site. This emphasizes the need for maintaining a secure environment within school buildings. Think about science laboratories, administrative offices, storage closets with pricey equipment, or IT rooms.

For instance, the Arts department has no reason to access the science laboratory but science teachers definitely should. You can establish specific permissions with interior access control, guaranteeing that only authorized individuals can enter sensitive places. 

This creates a safe space for staff and students by preventing needless access to potentially harmful materials or valuable assets.

Why Coram is The Best Option for Your School?

You can’t use just any system to safeguard your school. You need a solution that is built for the unique issues of an educational environment. Here’s why Coram’s fail-proof system is a reliable choice for your institution.

1. Scalability

Coram’s access control system grows with your school’s needs. Whether you’re handling a single building or a district with multiple buildings, you can always oversee access across all of them. Plus, managing several user profiles across different locations becomes a breeze—thanks to Coram’s advanced technology.

2. Cloud-based Convenience

Unlike traditional systems that depend on on-prem servers, Coram’s system is cloud-connected. With this system, forget expensive servers and sky-high maintenance costs. You receive instant updates, remote control, and total flexibility from your phone or laptop.

3. Flexibility and Offline Access

No internet connectivity? No problem. Coram’s access control keeps a local copy of all access permissions, so there’s uninterrupted authorized entry during network outages. Again, its backup battery ensures your system stays active even during power failures.

4. Permissions Are Highly Customizable

Whether you want to give faculty, maintenance teams, admin staff, or students different access levels, Coram’s access control system for schools lets you streamline entry rights for each person. 

Registered users can enter using cards, a designated mobile app, or even Bluetooth on their smartphone. Each access attempt (successful or not) is recorded and visible on your dashboard in real-time, giving you total control.

5. Custom Scheduling

The system enables you to set custom schedules for different places within your campus. Do you want the science laboratory to remain locked during non-class hours? Need to restrict server room access to only IT personnel? 

Or limit access to the janitorial closet during the school day? You can do all these and more with automatic alerts for unauthorized entry attempts.

6. Video Management Integration

Already have a video surveillance setup in your school? Coram’s access control system can integrate smoothly with it! Get ready to say goodbye to tailgating since the system sends you real-time alerts whenever it detects a suspicious activity. Also, you can review recorded footage for investigations and quick audits.

Types of Access Control System for Schools

School security does not have a one-size-fits-all approach. Thus, access control systems come in various forms—from biometric access control and security turnstile to PACS, mobile credential systems, and electronic access control. 

While some are cloud-based, others are managed on-site. However, each one has unique features depending on your school’s security goals, layout, and size. Understanding the available options enables you to choose a suitable one.

Biometric Access Control

These systems use personalized traits like fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition to identify registered users before granting them access to any area within the school. Each user has a designated profile created with their photo and biometric details. 

If you’re a registered user, rest assured that you will be allowed access upon presenting your credentials. Because they are highly secure, biometric access systems are used to protect high-risk areas within a campus.

Security Turnstile

Another effective access control system for elevating your school’s security is the security turnstile. Only those with accurate credentials will be permitted to enter, and it prevents tailgating by restricting access to one individual at a time. 

The turnstile’s reader scans the pass and unlocks the door only if the credentials are valid. Usually, they are made of thick panes or strong steel arms.

Physical Access Control Systems (PACS)

These security systems for schools ensure only the right people get in and the wrong ones do not. Physical access control systems secure key physical entry points like gates, doors, and barriers, which helps you control who can enter the building or anywhere around the school. 

Depending on your school’s needs, PACS can include electronic door locks, turnstiles, staffed entryways, and barriers. The aim is to keep the environment well-monitored and safe without interrupting the daily flow of school activities.

Mobile Credential Systems

These days, nearly everyone has a smartphone, and mobile access systems provide a smart, modern way to manage campus security. Employees and students can use their mobile phones as digital keys, making entry convenient, fast, and touch-free.

However, it’s beyond convenience since these devices support real-time emergency alerts and remote lockdowns. This gives you additional control and quick response abilities when it matters most.

Electronic Access Control Systems

Modern schools are moving beyond traditional keys and adopting smarter and more secure solutions. With electronic systems that use mobile credentials, key cards, or fobs, it’s easier to manage who comes and goes. 

In addition to limiting access based on user role or time of day, these systems keep detailed logs and clearly track audits of who accessed what, and when. It’s reliable for improving security while maintaining smooth and accountable operations.

Benefits of Using School Access Control Systems

Access security gives you greater control, peace of mind, and enhanced safety. With its instant tracking abilities, you can always know who’s on campus. Additionally, you can restrict access to areas with sensitive data and materials, and respond quickly during emergencies. 

At the same time, these systems lower the risk of unwanted entry or lost keys, which result in a safer, convenient, more efficient learning environment. Here are other reasons you should implement access control systems in your school.

1. Enhance Security

Whether it’s locking down sensitive areas or keeping out trespassers, access control systems for schools are your first line of defense. They don’t just secure your school’s entrances, they create a wholesome campus where students can thrive without fear. 

From disallowing unwanted entry to safeguarding administrative offices, staff rooms, and laboratories, a well-designed security solution enhances your campus’ overall security plan. It is a practical measure toward building a safer environment where students and staff can focus on what matters most—growth and learning.

2. Easy Management Of Access Privileges

A smart access security system saves you the headache of who goes where on campus. You can easily assign and manage privileges for staff, students, and faculty. It also lets you manage who’s allowed inside the building so that only the right individuals can enter the right places at the right times.

3. Save Time And Resources

More than just opening doors, modern access control systems simplify your entire security protocol. With technologies like card readers and fingerprint scanners, there’s no need to manually verify student IDs since advanced systems can hasten the entry process during peak hours. 

These systems also free up your team and resources by automating time-consuming tasks, including updating access logs, issuing visitor badges, syncing them with IT systems, etc.

FAQs

What is the most common security measure used by schools?

Access control systems are the most common security measures used by schools. This involves the installation of surveillance cameras and the implementation of electronic locks and access systems that require authorized credentials.

How do you choose a school access control system?

When choosing school access control systems, evaluate these core things: 

• Your security needs
• Budget
• Ease of use
• Scalability
• Integration with other existing systems

Conclusion

Deploying access control systems to keep your school community safe is the best investment you can make for your students, employees, and visitors. From managing who can walk into your campus to integrating advanced technologies like Coram, every aspect of access control plays an integral role in establishing a secure learning environment.

It might seem like a lot to take in, but the right system makes all the difference. With Coram, your school doesn’t just get better security; it gets peace of mind, smoother operations, and a community that feels safe, every single day.

Want to take a proactive step toward better school security? Get in touch with Coram for a free consultation and enjoy a customized setup for your school’s unique challenges.