Beat the Heat: Addressing Extreme Classroom Temperatures with Cooling Gear Solutions
As students return to school and classrooms fill once again, many educators and parents are facing challenges beyond lesson plans and supplies. Extreme heat—now more frequent and intense than ever—is becoming a significant barrier to teaching and learning across the country.
Climate Shift in the Classroom
In Los Angeles, elementary school teacher Mindy Neiland described her classroom as reaching 94 degrees: “My students have headaches, they’re miserable, and they cannot learn in this environment.” She said the school’s backup cooling machine was “useless” because it blows hot air.
In recent decades, climate data has shown a rise in the number of extremely hot days during the school year. Compared to the 1970s, many regions in the U.S. now see seven or more additional days of high heat annually, with some areas experiencing heat waves well into the fall.
Classrooms, particularly those lacking modern HVAC systems, often become stifling. This isn’t just uncomfortable; it can seriously interfere with learning and wellness, especially for younger children.
What does this graphic say about our schools?
At first glance, most of the county is blue; that's good news. But take a closer look and see that the red areas are much higher population centers, therefore affecting large numbers of students and teachers.
- Note the Blue in the south (new schools built with heat in mind)
- Red is in the north east (older school building, no ACHV, raising temperatures)
Results: Children in the northeast and the “rust belt" are getting a lower quality education just because of the infrastructure that has not kept up with increasing temperatures.
How Heat Disrupts Learning
The effects of heat on student performance are well-documented:
- One study found that math scores among students aged 10–12 improved by 2.8% when classes were held in cooler temperatures (67°F compared to 78°F).
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Each 1°F increase in temperature across the school year was shown to lower learning outcomes by about 1%, with more severe impacts in high-stakes testing environments.
- Heat exposure has been linked to reduced attention spans, lower memory recall, and increased fatigue, all of which influence academic engagement.
A teacher in New York reported: “My classroom is on the 3rd floor … currently 91.7 degrees with windows open and the fans blowing.” Another said, “It has been over 84 degrees in my classroom twice in the past week. I have picture proof of a digital thermometer.”
https://www.nysut.org/-/media/files/nysut/resources/2024/heat_booklet.pdf
Heat exposure has been linked to reduced attention spans, lower memory recall, and increased fatigue, all of which influence academic engagement. These disruptions go beyond academics. Higher temperatures are also associated with increased nurse visits, behavioral issues, and classroom distractions. Medical experts note: that children are especially susceptible to heat because their bodies heat up faster and cool down more slowly than adults. This creates added urgency for school districts and families to consider how heat affects learning environments.
Disparity in School Infrastructure
A concerning aspect of this issue is that schools serving higher numbers of Black and Hispanic students are statistically less likely to have air conditioning. This contributes to an ongoing equity gap where climate conditions worsen educational disparities.
A Harvard study highlighted that low-income and minority students face up to three times the cognitive performance loss from heat exposure compared to peers in well-cooled environments.
The green circles show the correlation between poor ACHV and the concentration of dense urban population of lower-income/minority students, even where A/C is common in most schools.
Effects on Teachers and Staff
Cornelius Donovan, a science teacher, explains: “When the temperatures increase into the upper 80s with high humidity, I have seen both adults and students become physically ill. The amount of learning that takes place on these days is minimal because it is so difficult to concentrate.”
The impact isn’t limited to students. Teachers in hot classrooms report:
- Exhaustion, headaches, and stress
- Decreased lesson engagement
- More frequent absences due to heat-related discomfort or illness
As an educator in New York stated, “When schools are too hot, students can’t learn, and teachers can’t teach.”
Addressing the Heat Challenge
Many school districts are working toward infrastructure upgrades, including air conditioning installations and ventilation improvements. New state-of-the-art buildings and older technologies used in the South but not in the North are making inroads into the problem. However, there are often delays due to budget and logistical limitations.
In the meantime, some districts, families, and individuals are using personal cooling wearables as a short-term solution to lessen the effects of extreme heat. Cooling vests—some originally used for sports, medical use, or physical labor—are now making their way into everyday school settings.
What Are Cooling Vests and How Do They Work?
Personal cooling vests are garments equipped with cooling packs that absorb body heat and provide relief in hot environments. One example, ThermApparel, uses phase change material (PCM) packs that remain at 70°F while in use. The packs are slim, non-toxic, and dry to the touch, making them suitable for use in schools.
Benefits that can start today in School Settings
Cooling gear can offer particular support during:
- Classroom instruction (especially in rooms without air conditioning)
- Physical education and sports practice
- Outdoor events and field trips
- After-school clubs and elevated activity spaces
- Band, theater, and activities involving heavy uniforms or costumes
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School maintenance and support staff roles
With wearable cooling gear, both students and educators can stabilize body temperatures during peak heat hours, potentially improving focus and reducing the risk of heat stress.
Adaptable Products for Different School Needs
Cooling solutions aren't one-size-fits-all. Different types may serve different purposes:
UnderCool
Best for: Students, teachers, and those involved in low-to-moderate physical activity
Features: Lightweight design, typically worn under clothing for discreet use
Cooling packs: 4 in the lower back; lasts between 1–3 hours
UltraCool
Best for: PE staff, athletes, sports coaches, or outdoor workers
Features: Full 360° cooling coverage around the torso for greater heat absorption
Cooling packs: 8–10; lasts 3–4 hours
RallyWrap
Best for: Spot cooling, wheelchair users, recovery between activities
Features: Flexible belt-style wrap; may be used on back, legs, or shoulders
Cooling packs: 6–8; lasts 2–4 hours
A Teacher’s Perspective on Cooling
Emily, a traveling strings teacher in Missouri, described her experience managing extreme heat during back-to-school events:
“At the beginning of the year, I travel with 50 orchestra students to perform in schools without air conditioning. It’s a lot of movement—carrying instruments, being on buses—and without something to stay cool, it’s overwhelming. The cooling vest I wear allows me to focus on teaching, not just trying to stay upright.”
What to Know
Cooling packs used in these vests are reusable and can be (recharged in ice water, freezers, or refrigerators). Recharge times vary from 30 to 60 minutes. Most packs last for several years and can be safely recycled.
When considering options, schools should factor in:
- Weight and comfort
- Visibility under clothing
- Recharge accessibility (freezers/fridges onsite)
- Pack longevity and replacement availability.
Beyond the Cooling Solution
Cooling vests are not a permanent fix, but they can help bridge the gap while schools develop long-term solutions such as installing better HVAC systems and redesigning heat-vulnerable school zones.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide healthier, more productive learning environments, especially as extreme heat becomes more common. For students and educators, staying cool is no longer a “nice-to-have” feature but a growing necessity for consistent performance, safety, and well-being.
Be Cool ThermApparel Team