Effects of Classroom Ventilation Rate and Temperature on Students’ Test Scores

This study explores how classroom temperature and ventilation rates influence students’ academic performance. Analyzing data from 140 fifth-grade classrooms across 70 elementary schools in the Southwestern United States, researchers examined the impact of air quality and temperature on standardized test scores. The findings show that for every slight increase in ventilation rate, math scores improved, and for every 1°C decrease in temperature (within a range of 20–25°C), students’ test scores increased further. Similar effects, though more variable, were observed for reading and science scores. The study highlights the importance of maintaining well-ventilated and properly cooled classrooms to support student success. With its large dataset and advanced statistical approach, this research provides strong evidence that improving indoor environmental conditions in schools can have a measurable impact on academic achievement.