Studies Show How Indoor Air Quality in Schools Affects Student Performance
Indoor air quality might not show up on a report card, but it should.
Research increasingly shows that air quality in schools and classrooms plays a measurable role in student performance, absenteeism, and even test scores. While schools focus on curriculum, technology, and teaching strategies to improve outcomes, one simple factor often goes unnoticed: the air students breathe.
How Ventilation and Air Quality in Schools Affect Academic Outcomes
Classroom air often contains elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂), especially when ventilation is poor. But CO₂ itself isn’t the problem. It’s a widely accepted indicator of whether indoor air is being properly refreshed and filtered.
Higher CO₂ levels generally reflect low fresh air delivery and increased buildup of contaminants like moisture, dust, and airborne pollutants. According to the EPA, many schools operate below recommended ventilation rates. Studies show students in better-ventilated classrooms perform measurably better on standardized tests in reading and math
One extensive review from Building and Environment backs this up with in-field data:
Reducing CO₂ from 2,100 ppm to 900 ppm led to a 12% improvement in task speed and a 2% improvement in accuracy
When CO₂ dropped from 2,400 ppm to 900 ppm, national test scores improved by approximately 5%
Reducing CO₂ from 4,200 ppm to 1,000 ppm improved daily attendance by 2.5%(2)
What’s Behind Poor IAQ in Classrooms?
Many ventilation challenges start inside the ductwork.
Older buildings often rely on outdated duct systems with hidden leaks. These gaps pull in air from crawlspaces, mechanical rooms, or attics—spaces never designed for clean air intake. That means:
Contaminants like vehicle exhaust, mold spores, and dust bypass filtration and enter classrooms
HVAC systems struggle to deliver designed airflow, falling short of air change targets
Temperature and humidity become inconsistent, increasing discomfort and distraction
These issues aren’t limited to older schools. Newer buildings that haven’t been tested or sealed can suffer the same problems, just without knowing it.
Comfort Affects Cognition
Air quality isn’t the only environmental variable that matters in schools.
The EPA also reports that modest changes in classroom temperature—from 77°F to 68°F—can significantly affect students’ ability to focus on reading, math, and comprehension tasks [1]. Cooler temperatures and modest humidity levels consistently lead to better performance and fewer health complaints.
Sealing the Ducts Makes a Measurable Difference
Duct sealing is a straightforward way to tackle these challenges at the source. It offers:
Cleaner, healthier indoor air by eliminating unfiltered infiltration
More efficient airflow, supporting consistent ventilation and HVAC performance
Greater comfort and better air mixing, improving learning conditions
Lower energy costs, which can help districts reinvest in their facilities
With proper sealing, schools gain control over the invisible factors shaping the learning environment.
Case in Point: Licking Heights Elementary
In Ohio, Licking Heights Elementary worked with Aeroseal to improve indoor air performance and air quality without tearing out equipment or disrupting classrooms. The project:
Identified and sealed duct leaks
Verified measurable improvements in airflow
Helped the district meet its IAQ goals efficiently and affordably
Aeroseal: Trusted Air Quality Solution by Schools Nationwide
Aeroseal’s technology, originally developed through U.S. Department of Energy research, has been deployed in thousands of buildings worldwide—including schools, hospitals, and public facilities.
For educational buildings, it offers:
Low-disruption installation
Clear before-and-after data
Improved indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency
Support for wellness, attendance, and performance goals
Want to Improve Learning Conditions in Your Schools?
Start with the air. Start with the ducts.
Contact Aeroseal to schedule a duct performance assessment or learn how we’re helping school districts create healthier, higher-performing buildings with healthier indoor air quality.
Citations
[1] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Evidence from Scientific Literature about Improved Academic Performance[2] Wargocki et al., The Relationships Between Classroom Air Quality and Children’s Performance in School, Building and Environment, 2020
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