How did Aspen Academy evaluate different AI security solutions?

Aspen Academy conducted a rigorous review of multiple solutions including VOLT AI, Net Talon, ZeroEyes, and Avigilon. Testing involved weapon detection scenarios with Greenwood Village Police, where VOLT AI consistently detected weapons of various sizes at numerous distances, delivering notifications within seconds—before officers even reached the school entrance.

Does implementing VOLT AI affect school insurance rates?

VOLT AI can positively impact insurance rates. While most schools experienced approximately 20% increases in insurance rates, Aspen Academy's rates remained flat after implementing VOLT AI, likely in large part due to their enhanced security measures.

How quickly does VOLT AI detect weapons during real-world scenarios?

During testing, Aspen Academy's CFO received weapon notifications on her phone before the officer carrying the weapon even reached the school entrance—typically within less than 30 seconds. The system has also proven effective in real situations, detecting a student-made 3D-printed pocket knife and a Nerf gun brought to school.

Why did Aspen Academy choose VOLT AI over competitors?

Key factors included quick response time during testing (less than 30 seconds for alerts), human review through VOLT's security operations center, responsive ongoing support, cost-effectiveness, AI-based monitoring that reduces human error, and integration with existing camera systems. VOLT's approach was also described as more tailored to school environments rather than militaristic.

Customer story · Private school · Colorado

Aspen Academy tested it properly, then grew into it.

Q: How does VOLT AI compare in cost to hiring security personnel?

VOLT AI costs significantly less than traditional security measures. Aspen Academy's CFO Lynda Sailor notes: 'Hiring the equivalent of one full-time security employee to attempt to do even a fraction of what VOLT can, costs more than the VOLT AI system. So when you think of it that way, it is a massive cost savings.'

500 students from Pre-K to 8th grade, an audit against the PASS checklist, and a side-by-side comparison before anyone signed.

500 students, Pre-K–8 Tested against alternatives Human review of alerts Key alerts under 30 seconds

A modern single-storey school building with large windows and a planted courtyard

The challenge

A system that only helped after the fact.

In 2022 Lynda Sailor and the leadership team recognised their security was primarily reactive, useful as a forensic tool once something had already happened.

Do the homework first

The school audited itself against the PASS checklist and brought in Brad Stiles, head of school safety for Colorado, for an external review.

Four things had to be true

Cost-effectiveness, proactive capability, integration with what they already had, and support they could actually reach.

What they did

A genuine bake-off, with the local police involved.

Aspen compared VOLT against Net Talon, ZeroEyes and Avigilon rather than taking anyone’s word for it.

Step 1
Test it for real
Working with Greenwood Village Police, the team checked detection at a range of sizes and distances.
Step 2
Weigh the whole package
Human review through VOLT’s security operations centre, responsiveness of the team, and fit with a school rather than a military setting.
Step 3
Go live, then grow
Deployed in autumn 2023, and extended into a new early-learning building for 100 more students.

What changed

Cover that scaled, and lessons nobody expected.

What the school gained beyond the alerts themselves.

Teachable moments

A 3D-printed pocket knife and a Nerf gun both raised alerts. Neither carried ill intent, and both became conversations about school safety.

Cheaper than the alternative

Lynda Sailor reports the system costs less than the equivalent of one full-time security employee.

Insurance held steady

While comparable schools saw roughly 20 percent increases, Aspen’s rates stayed flat, which Lynda attributes in large part to VOLT.

In their words

Why it mattered at Aspen.

From the Founder and Chief Financial & Operating Officer.

Hiring the equivalent of one full-time security employee to attempt to do even a fraction of what VOLT can, costs more than the Volt AI system. So when you think of it that way, it is a massive cost savings.

Lynda Sailor
Founder and Chief Financial & Operating Officer, Aspen Academy