Florida Apostolic Bible Institute is an accredited Bible college based in the United States, offering programs from associate degrees up to doctorates in biblical studies and counseling. The Institute serves students through both on-campus classes and online instruction, including a fully online class serving students in Alabama.
For many years, the school operated with a traditional, manual approach to administration—an approach that worked at first but became increasingly difficult to maintain as academic, financial, and accreditation requirements grew more complex.
Before DreamClass: A Manual System That Couldn’t Scale
Before adopting DreamClass, nearly every process at Florida Apostolic Bible Institute was handled manually. Student registration was done on paper, exams and grading were handled offline, and tuition payments were collected in cash or by check, with receipts written by hand and later recorded in spreadsheets.
As David DeLarge explains, “It was a strictly manual system—paper forms for registration, paper forms for tests, paper forms for grading.”
Over time, this created operational strain across multiple areas of the school.
Tracking student finances was especially challenging. If a student made a partial payment, staff had to search through receipt books or spreadsheets to determine the remaining balance. Without consistently updated records, it was difficult to provide students with accurate, real-time financial information.
Academic records posed similar issues. Grades were recorded manually by instructors and then sent to the registrar’s office for consolidation. Because not all instructors used the same tools or processes, grade reporting was often delayed—sometimes well into the following semester. This meant students didn’t always know whether they had passed a course before enrolling in the next one.
“Students were getting their grades late,” David recalls.
In some cases, students registered for continuation courses without knowing whether they had successfully completed the prerequisite classes.
Recognizing the Need for Change
As the Institute continued to operate, it became clear that the existing system could not support the school’s long-term needs. Accreditation reviews required clear, accessible records. Students needed up-to-date financial and academic information. Office staff were spending significant time searching, reconciling, and catching up—often during breaks between semesters.
David, who had a background as a computer programmer and systems analyst, was asked to help evaluate potential solutions. The goal was not to overhaul everything overnight, but to find a system that could realistically support the school’s day-to-day operations.
Choosing DreamClass: Simplicity Over Complexity
After reviewing several options, the team selected DreamClass based on two core criteria: affordability and ease of use.
“It appeared to be very easy to use,” David explains.
Rather than choosing a system overloaded with enterprise features, the Institute focused on what mattered most—managing student records, grades, and finances from start to finish in one place.
DreamClass also supported a gradual transition. The school began by digitizing and uploading student records, scanning essential documents, and centralizing information without forcing immediate changes to every workflow.
A Gradual and Practical Transition
Instead of moving from paper to full automation all at once, Florida Apostolic Bible Institute adopted DreamClass incrementally. Student records and documents were uploaded first, giving administrators immediate access to essential information without relying on physical file cabinets.
“You can’t take it all at once,” David notes.
By prioritizing core needs—student information, grading, and financial tracking—the school was able to build confidence in the system before expanding its usage.
Over time, instructors began recording grades directly in DreamClass, and office staff gained a centralized view of student balances and academic progress. Communication improved, records became current, and administrative silos were removed.
Clear Information for Students and Staff
With DreamClass in place, students now have visibility into their grades and financial standing without needing to contact the office for every update. Payments are recorded consistently, balances are clear, and academic progress is no longer delayed by manual consolidation.
David describes the biggest value of the platform as “capturing and reporting of finances,” followed closely by grading.
Instead of searching spreadsheets or receipt books, administrators can access accurate information instantly—supporting better decisions for both staff and students.
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A System Built for Long-Term Stability
Today, DreamClass supports Florida Apostolic Bible Institute across billing, grading, reporting, and student record management. The platform accommodates both centralized administration and instructor involvement, allowing the school to operate efficiently without adding unnecessary complexity.
As David summarizes, “If you’re looking to automate the entire student process from start to finish, DreamClass is a very good tool.”
For an institution balancing academic rigor, accreditation requirements, and limited administrative resources, DreamClass has become a reliable foundation—supporting clarity, consistency, and growth.