Preparing Schools for Climate Resiliency

As climate-related disasters—such as extreme heat, wildfires, storms, and power outages—become increasingly common, school districts across the United States face mounting challenges in maintaining safe learning environments and uninterrupted operations. This report outlines how school districts can embed climate resiliency planning into their existing infrastructure and operations strategies. Drawing from the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit and adapted to reflect the unique needs of schools, the framework offers a clear, actionable pathway to assess climate risks, engage stakeholders, and implement targeted solutions. Through a combination of detailed guidance and real-world case studies, the publication presents a step-by-step approach that includes identifying key partners, assessing regional vulnerabilities, and evaluating cost-effective, equity-centered strategies to strengthen resilience. The evidence presented makes the case that forward-looking investments in climate preparedness are essential to protect students, staff, and school facilities, and to ensure that schools remain hubs of learning and community stability in the face of a changing climate.