By bringing some light into the dreary classrooms, one elementary school in Jacksonville, Illinois, is actually breaking down barriers to enhance student learning, attendance, and well-being.
Windows were not included in American schools, particularly those constructed in the 1960s and 1970s, because it was mistakenly thought that they would distract students from their studies. However, that way of thinking would get them a failing mark today.
Students that had the most daylight in their classrooms advanced 20% quicker on arithmetic tests and 26% faster on reading tests over the course of a year, according to a study conducted by the Eneref Institute that shed some amazing insight on the subject.
According to the study, having lots of natural light in the classroom can really help pupils concentrate and reduce distractions.
More recently, a 2024 study found that when there is natural light in the classroom, pupils perform better on examinations and remain more attentive.
Windex provided cash for their “Windows of Opportunity” program, which added 70 windows to Eisenhower Elementary, a dull school without windows.
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Since the new windows were installed, the school has seen a number of benefits, and the aesthetics are breathtaking.
(Watch the awesome video below.)
In light of another well cited study from University College London in 2022 that demonstrated children’ increased welfare with the addition of sunlight, Windex hopes that telling the tale of Eisenhower Elementary’s transformation would draw attention to the value of natural light in classrooms.
“Out of all design parameters in school, including air temperature, acoustics, and CO2 concentration, daylight has the highest impact on overall student progress,” one of the authors stated.
