From classroom teacher to tech innovator, Mr Steve Clarisse is transforming school management with a user-friendly solution that simplifies educators’ daily challenges.
Overwhelmed by administrative tasks, teachers struggle with complex software. Mr Steve Clarisse, a former teacher-turned-entrepreneur, is offering a lifeline, providing schools with a user-friendly student management system he designed, as well as IT support, web design and marketing services.
Born from a passion for technology and education, nForma began in 2000 when Mr Clarisse wrote a simple program for his Catholic-school classroom to interpret his student’s progress.
During parent-teacher interviews, he used the program to show parents how their children were progressing – an extraordinary concept at the time.
“The principal had pretty good feedback, so he said, ‘Let’s use it across the whole school’. So I designed software that captured all the relevant student data, and it continued to evolve from there,” Mr Clarisse says.
The principal then told another principal at a Catholic school’s network meeting about the program, and word spread, with most Melbourne Catholic schools signing on to nForma.
Mr Clarisse credits its success to his distinctly user-centric approach, ensuring that even teachers uncomfortable with technology could navigate the system easily.
Family has also been integral to nForma’s success.
“My mother was a teacher, my brother is a principal, and my wife is a teacher – I can see how much administrative work is involved before she even starts teaching her class,” Mr Clarisse says.
In fact, his wife became his first critical user test – if she could understand the program, he knew most teachers would find it accessible.
Support is another cornerstone of nForma’s success. Schools appreciate that they can contact nForma directly for guidance, with the company providing immediate, personalised assistance.
“Schools know they have backup support whenever they need it,” Mr Clarisse says. “I say to schools, ‘Leave the stress to us’ so educators can focus on teaching.”
Since starting up 25 years ago, the company’s growth has been intentional and measured.
“I like to do things slowly but surely,” Mr Clarisse says. “We want to maintain the level of support we’ve become known for.”
Currently serving around 200 schools in Victoria, primarily in the Catholic sector, nForma is continuing to expand without compromising its core values.
Beyond software, the company offers comprehensive IT assistance.
“We have a team of technicians who also support schools in maintaining their network, their computers, everything that plugs and plays,” he says.
This holistic approach sets it apart from competitors, as does a family business model.
“Some staff have been with me since day one,” Mr Clarisse says. “Some have already retired, and now their children have come on board.”
This generational commitment ensures continuity and deep institutional knowledge, he says.
Looking to the future, Mr Clarisse sees potential for broader impact, assisting schools and the parent community to better manage their student management software modules with new and exciting modules currently in development.
The company’s philosophy goes beyond technological solutions.
“My intention was, and still is, to help my colleagues in the education sector,” Mr Clarisse explains.
“I know how stressful it is because my wife’s still teaching, so I can see how much work is involved.”
With a commitment to reducing administrative stress, providing exceptional support, and creating user-friendly technology, nForma represents more than just a software company. It’s a mission-driven organisation that understands the real challenges educators face daily.
“We’re still keeping our promise,” Mr Clarisse says. And in the complex world of educational technology, that promise of simplicity, support, and understanding is what continues to set nForma apart, he says.
