Changing school facilities helps students focus better, teachers enjoy their jobs more, and everyone develops a positive attitude toward the facility they spend time in each weekday. These changes come with a cost, but the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment.

High schools that offer world-class facilities attract top teachers and provide unique learning opportunities that students may not find elsewhere.

School Library

The school library’s role has broadened beyond simply serving as a collection hub. It also provides the space for students to pursue their passions. A new 3D printer in the library encourages students to explore the capabilities of emerging technologies, as well as how these can impact the world around them.

Research consistently shows that school libraries are linked to student achievement. In fact, studies show that high school libraries with certified librarians are associated with higher standardized test scores and graduation rates—even after accounting for other factors like poverty and school size.

Additionally, school librarians serve as teaching partners with other educators, guiding classroom discussion and building engaging learning materials. They offer a safe space for children to reset their relationships when they have conflicts in their friendship groups and allow them to express themselves through creativity in makerspaces.

Laboratories

At the high school level, laboratory learning is essential to students’ education. It’s where future scientists can learn to take their own experiments further than they could at the classroom level, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the concepts being taught.

In fact, one study found that the lab environment had a significant impact on students’ attitudes toward science lessons. When it came to chemistry, the lab environment was a stronger predictor of student attitudes than their grades or teacher qualifications (Sikkim).

Facility managers are now paying more attention to school facilities and their impact on students. They know that comfortable and safe settings allow students to focus on their studies, improve attendance rates, and ultimately increase academic performance. And that, in turn, can lead to greater access to resources and opportunities.

Gymnasium

Many high school students don’t have the time, willpower or self-esteem to get enough physical exercise. That’s where a fully equipped school gymnasium comes in handy, providing an opportunity to get active during the day and learn that a little bit of movement can help them de-stress.

In countries like Germany, the Gymnasium is one of the top levels of education and is meant for academically minded students who are sifted out between the ages of 10 and 13. These schools often focus on teaching Latin and Ancient Greek as well as modern languages.

The term is derived from the Greek gumnasion, meaning both a place for intellectual training and physical exercise. This later meaning persists today as the word gym. In German, however, it has also come to mean a secondary school that prepares students for university.

Classroom Tech

Students need to be able to use technology in the classroom. They need to be able to read from a screen, communicate with peers, and create multimedia presentations. This helps them develop the skills they will need in their future careers.

While smartphones have a bad reputation in the classroom, they can also be powerful learning tools. Students can use them to access their social networks and the Internet, as well as learn through educational apps like Duolingo and Kahoot.

Classroom tech also helps teachers manage their classrooms. It allows them to monitor student progress, organize their classes, and make adjustments as needed. This also helps them provide supplemental resources and scaffolding to help students reach their goals. Additionally, it helps them create engaging activities that motivate students to participate in learning.

Cafeteria

School cafeterias are a critical part of the learning environment. Students are more likely to eat their meals and do better in class when the ambiance is pleasant and engaging.

The cafeteria should have a minimal design so that it is easy for students to navigate. Having too many tables and chairs only creates confusion and makes it difficult for students to find seats.

Embedding electrical outlets into the tabletop and seating is also a smart way to make it easier for students to plug in their digital devices. It will also prevent them from tripping over cords and getting distracted. Cafeteria supervisors are another important aspect of the cafeteria, as they can help to keep the space clean and organized. They can also remind students to follow school rules.