See how Grant Elementary achieved 98% weekly family engagement by focusing on connection with ClassDojo

When Farnaz Heydari became principal of Grant Elementary in 2015, she stepped into a school community that needed to come together. With trust low and engagement even lower, Farnaz knew that any real transformation would have to start with families. And for that, ClassDojo became her most powerful ally.

Communication that builds trust

Grant Elementary serves a high number of immigrant families, many of whom felt disconnected from traditional school systems. “ClassDojo isn’t just communication — it’s connection,” Farnaz said. With its friendly design and instant translation features, the platform broke down barriers and created space for honest, real-time conversations between home and school.

That connection became even more vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Within seconds, we could reach our families,” she said. “It helped us rally support, share updates, and provide emotional and practical resources.”

“ClassDojo isn’t just communication — 
it’s connection.”

Reaching every family, and then some

Today, more than 97% of Grant Elementary families are connected through ClassDojo. “Each child might have four or five connected adults, and they’re all on Dojo,” Farnaz explained. The platform enables teachers to share photos, celebrate student growth, and provide resources families can use at home, making learning visible and accessible.

Even families who can’t attend events or read every message still stay involved. “Sometimes it’s just a ‘like’ on a post,” Farnaz noted. “But that simple gesture tells us they’re connected — and their kids know it too.”

Today, more than 97% of Grant Elementary families are connected through ClassDojo.

Students drive the conversation at home

ClassDojo has changed the way students and families interact. “Kids go home and say, ‘Did you see my picture on Dojo?’” Farnaz said. “That starts a conversation. That pulls parents in.” Teachers now post classroom highlights, instructional tips, and celebrations directly on ClassDojo, making it easier than ever for families to stay engaged without needing to step onto campus.

Creating a culture of connection

From Dojo points that students spend in the school store to weekly mindfulness videos that reinforce shared values, ClassDojo is woven into every layer of life at Grant Elementary. But Farnaz is clear: it’s not about the tech — it’s about trust.

“We chose to make ClassDojo our primary communication platform because it works,” she said. “It feels personal. Families trust it. And when families trust the school, everything changes — for students, for teachers, for the community.”

A principal with purpose

Farnaz’s journey from classroom teacher to principal — and now president of a statewide administrators’ group — has always been rooted in advocacy. “I only partner with platforms I believe in,” she said. “ClassDojo is one of them.”

Though she avoids the “superhero” title, Farnaz’s impact is undeniable. She’s created a culture where students feel seen, teachers feel supported, and families feel connected. “ClassDojo is everything you wish for in one place,” she said. “It connects us not just academically, but emotionally. And that changes everything.”