Texting That Builds Trust at EMKS with Mongoose Conversation Intelligence

Overview

For Ewing Marion Kauffman School (EMKS), communication isn’t just logistics, it’s a lifeline. With 1,000+ students in grades 5–12, this Kansas City charter school needed a way to cut through phone line chaos and reach families where they already are: on their phones.

Since adopting Mongoose Conversation Intelligence, EMKS has replaced missed calls and voicemails with real-time, two-way texting that’s fast, efficient, and human. Whether managing daily attendance or supporting alumni years after graduation, the team now communicates with clarity and care.

It just helps a ton with family satisfaction. We don’t have to spend as much time managing frustration.

Bailey Page, Director of Operations at EMKS

The Problem: Too Many Calls, Too Few Solutions

Before Mongoose, everything flowed through the front office phone line. That meant long hold times, unanswered questions, and missed info. Attendance reporting, bus delays, early pickups—even quick parent check-ins—had to be phoned in or left on voicemail.

We always had more calls than we could reasonably answer, even when the info didn’t really require a conversation.

Bailey Page

The Fix: Mongoose for Two-Way, Team-Based Texting

With Mongoose’s Conversation Intelligence Platform, the ops team gained a shared texting inbox that anyone—onsite or remote—can use to message families. That means fewer bottlenecks, faster responses, and smoother coordination.

EMKS now uses Mongoose to:

• Automate attendance outreach with Smart Messages
• Notify families of bus delays and real-time changes
• Confirm early dismissals, absences, or logistics
• Manage event RSVPs and reminders
• Run yes/no re-enrollment campaigns
• Support graduates with FAFSA, college, and career guidance

The ability to text from a shared inbox changed everything. Now, anyone on the team can jump in—even our remote staff.

Bailey Page

The Results: Higher Response, Lower Stress

Faster Response Rates

98% of families replied to EMKS’s re-enrollment campaign within one day. And with Smart Messages, it’s even easier for parents to say “yes” or “no”—and for staff to act quickly.

Asking families to reply ‘yes’ or ‘no’ by text means we can get information fast, and act on it.

Bailey Page

Fewer Phone Calls

Texting has drastically reduced office call volume, freeing up front-desk staff and allowing other team members to pitch in during downtime.

Smarter Attendance Outreach

Every absence gets a same-day check-in. It’s not just about compliance, it’s about care. And that consistent touchpoint helps EMKS identify which families might need deeper support.

Texting every time a student is absent communicates something important: We notice. We care. And we’re here.

Bailey Page

The Mongoose Difference: Why It Works

• Smart Messages: Yes/no prompts and templates keep things simple and fast.
• Shared Inboxes: Anyone can reply, from anywhere.
• Real Campaign Data: Track responses, spot trends, and prioritize action.
• Remote-Friendly: Even staff in other states can support families like they’re in the building.

Looking Ahead

EMKS plans to expand Mongoose usage across more strategic areas, including:

• Student recruitment and retention
• Back-to-school planning
• Post-grad support for alumni
• More personalized attendance interventions

It’s a great way to meet families where they are, using tools they already know and are most likely to respond to. 

Bailey Page

Conclusion

At EMKS, Mongoose has turned everyday communication into something more meaningful. It’s not just about sending reminders—it’s about building trust, easing frustration, and making school feel more accessible for every family.

I truly don’t know how other schools are doing it. If they’re not using something like Mongoose, I’d love to know what they’re using, because I haven’t seen anything else like it.

Bailey Page

Download the Full Case Study

Ewing Marion Kauffman School transformed how it communicates with families—boosting attendance, easing staff workload, and creating faster, more responsive conversations.