A quiet but significant transformation unfolded over 3 days at Coosa Valley Academy, where a new comprehensive network upgrade is reshaping how students and teachers connect, learn, and work across campus.
The project, completed by Coosa Valley Technologies, upgraded the Harpersville school’s digital infrastructure with new wireless access points, upgraded phones and internet services, and increased bandwidth from 300 Mbps to 1 Gig. The improvements come as the academy continues to serve about 250 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in a Christian-based college preparatory environment.
For Headmaster Pam Lovelady, who has led the school for 23 years, the investment reflects a growing need to match classroom instruction with reliable, high-speed connectivity.
“As education continues to rely more on digital tools and online resources, it has become clear that our existing network was no longer meeting the demands of our students or our teachers,” she said. “An aging system can lead to slow connections, dropped signals, and interruptions that take away from valuable instructional time. We wanted to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed in a modern learning environment.”
Those limitations had become increasingly noticeable in day-to-day operations. Teachers experienced delays when accessing cloud-based materials, and students sometimes struggled to maintain stable connections during lessons and assignments requiring internet access. The strain was especially apparent during peak usage times, like when multiple classrooms were online simultaneously.
Patrick Harris, CVT sales and marketing manager, said the newly installed system is designed to eliminate those disruptions and create a seamless digital experience across campus.
“We have installed state-of-the-art routers and modems that allow us to monitor network traffic and activity to ensure that connectivity is guaranteed even during the busiest school days,” he said.
The addition of access points throughout the building ensures consistent Wi-Fi coverage, allowing students and faculty to stay connected in classrooms, administrative offices, and shared spaces. The upgraded phone system also improves internal and external communication.
Kevin Pair, a field services technician involved in the installation, said the difference was immediately noticeable.
“This new system provides better connectivity and a better overall experience for students and employees,” he said. “With increased speed and more reliable coverage, CVA students won’t have to worry about lag or losing connection in the middle of important work.”
Beyond convenience, the upgrade has a direct impact on academic opportunities. Faster internet speeds will enhance dual enrollment programs, allowing high school students to participate more effectively in college-level courses that often rely on video conferencing, online lectures, and real-time collaboration.
“With stronger connectivity, our students can fully engage in dual enrollment classes without technical barriers,” Lovelady said. “That’s critical as we prepare them for college and beyond.”
While the upgrade itself only took 3 days to complete, Lovelady said its impact will be long-lasting.
“In addition to having faster internet, we also have an environment where our students and teachers can thrive without limitations,” she said. “Technology should support learning, not hinder it. Now, we’re in that supportive position.”
To learn more about how CVT can help your school or business, visit the CVT Business page or call (877) 618-9916.