The Impact of a Clean School on Student Performance: Why Your School Needs To Prioritize Cleanliness

As the school year is about to start, school managers need to plan and think ahead. School facility managers are responsible for providing a clean and healthy environment for our schools’ students. Ensuring a clean school isn’t just an ethical obligation; it also plays a significant role in student performance. The learning environment is a key factor in academic success, and maintaining cleanliness in the school is paramount to achieving this. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of a clean school in enhancing student performance and why it should be a top priority for every school.  

According to the Penn State Center for Evaluation and Education Policy Analysis, school facilities significantly impact students’ health, behavior, engagement, learning, and academic achievement. In this article, we’ll explore the important ways in which a clean environment can benefit both students and the educational community. 

Reducing Absenteeism:

One of the significant advantages of maintaining a clean and healthy environment in schools is that it reduces absenteeism. When the school environment is dirty, it becomes a breeding ground for microorganisms, which can lead to illnesses. This, in turn, can cause more students to stay home, which can impact their academic performance and the performance of the entire class. Keeping the school clean can help prevent the spread of infections, thus reducing absenteeism. 

The connection between student health and chronic absenteeism is well established, as various health conditions can hinder student attendance. In particular, asthma and acute illnesses are the leading causes of absenteeism, and they’re often influenced by the cleanliness practices implemented in schools. By implementing a commercial cleaning certified by Green Seal, schools can significantly reduce absences resulting from asthma and the spread of acute illnesses. The Green Seal certification ensures that cleaning practices prioritize the use of environmentally friendly products and methods, which ultimately contributes to a healthier school environment and fewer missed days of learning. 

Reducing Stress Levels:

School can be stressful for students, and dirty surroundings can exacerbate the feeling of anxiety. A clean school, on the other hand, can help alleviate student stress levels. A well-kept environment creates a sense of order and calmness that can make students feel more at ease. When students feel calm and relaxed, it enables them to concentrate more on their studies, which can lead to better academic performance.  

A clean and organized classroom promotes a sense of calmness and organization, allowing students to focus better and concentrate on their tasks. Research conducted by Princeton University has shown that clutter and visual distractions can hinder concentration and academic performance. 

Boosting Student Morale:

A clean school indicates that the school is loved and cared for, which can boost student morale. On the flip side, when the school is poorly maintained, it can lead to frustration and disinterest among the students. When students are happy and motivated, it can positively impact their academic performance. 

Poor working conditions, including dirty classrooms, can lead to low morale among students and educators alike. Studies have shown that unsanitary environments can drastically affect student achievement and contribute to teacher dissatisfaction. In fact, one survey found that 19% of teachers who left the profession cited “dissatisfaction with working conditions” as a primary reason, according to a Learning Policy Institute study.  

By prioritizing cleanliness, school managers can ensure that the atmosphere in the school is positive and conducive to learning. 

Improving Indoor Air Quality:

Poor indoor air quality can have detrimental effects on students, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and fatigue. An unclean school can lead to the accumulation of dust and pollutants, which can impact indoor air quality. However, by dedicating resources to ensure that the school is cleaned regularly, we can improve indoor air quality, leading to a healthier and more productive learning environment. 

Ensuring good air quality in schools is important not only for students’ well-being; it also has a significant impact on teachers’ health. Studies have shown that teachers have a higher prevalence of asthma compared to other non-industrial occupational groups, including blue-collar workers (Eng et al., 2010; Whelan et al., 2003). Occupational surveillance studies have identified educational employees as having the highest proportion of work-related asthma cases (Fletcher et al., 2006; Mazurek et al., 2008). 

These findings highlight the need for improved air quality in schools to protect teachers from potential health hazards. By addressing air quality concerns, we can create a healthier and safer environment for both students and teachers. It’s crucial to prioritize the importance of air quality in schools to promote better overall well-being and enhance the teaching experience. 

By maintaining a clean school, we can instill good habits in our students. A clean school translates into cleanliness habits that students can apply outside of school. When students follow these habits, it can lead to improved health, better focus, and a better quality of life. The attainment of these habits is a lifelong benefit that can positively impact their future. 

At Excel Facility Services Group, we recognize that every school has unique needs. We take the time to thoroughly assess the requirements of your facilities, district, and community. Armed with this information, we’ll develop a customized plan to enhance your school’s facilities and create an optimal learning space for your students. 

Our expertise extends to various building management needs, including lighting, HVAC, and design. Our team of professionals is equipped to handle everything from tearing down deteriorating architecture to renovating within existing footprints or upgrading systems and fixtures as part of a turnkey solution. Our ultimate goal is to provide your students with a safe and comfortable learning environment.

If you’re seeking assistance in developing an effective solution to enhance the health and learning experience of your staff and students, look no further than Excel Facility Services Group. As an industry leader in educational institutions, our professional team can help elevate your students’ education to the next level. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about how we can partner with you.