William H. Farquhar Middle School, Olney, MD. Photo credit: Patrick Ross
School Health Research Library
We have curated a library of peer-reviewed scientific studies from around the world published since 2016, focusing on the school built environment and occupant health and performance. This research builds on the 2017 Schools for Health: Foundations for Student Success report released by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that synthesizes foundational research about school indoor environmental quality impacts on students and staff.
To help translate this research into action in schools, we have compiled School Health Research Highlights to help school staff and leaders access key findings and actionable strategies on priority topics.
Displaying 451 - 460 of 680 | Export entire research library
Greenness around schools associated with lower risk of hypertension among children: Findings from the Seven Northeastern Cities Study in China
Xiao, Xiang
Using school-based greenness indices and BP data from 9354 children, higher NDVI was linked to lower systolic pressure and reduced odds of hypertension. Supports greening policies near schools to address cardiovascular risk in youth.
Keywords: Greenness, Blood pressure, hypertension
Getting Out of the Classroom and Into Nature: A Systematic Review of Nature-Specific Outdoor Learning on School Children’s Learning and Development
Mann, Jeff
Review of 147 studies found nature-specific outdoor learning supports academic, social, and emotional development; recommends curriculum integration to improve student well-being.
Keywords: Academic improvement, Education, Learning outside the classroom, Nature-specific, Outdoor learning, Pro-environmental behavior, Socio-emotional, Wellbeing
Inverse relationship between urban green space and childhood autism in California elementary school districts
Wu, Jianyong
District-level study in California linked autism prevalence to various green space metrics; found tree canopy and grassland near roads inversely associated with autism rates.
Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, Greenness, Near-road tree canopy, Air pollution, School children
Natural Environments Near Schools: Potential Benefits for Socio-Emotional and Behavioral Development in Early Childhood
Scott, J. Taylor
Teachers rated preschoolers’ behavior across school settings with varied tree canopy and impervious surface. More natural elements predicted greater emotional regulation and social skills. Results suggest schools and planners may promote early…
Keywords: natural environment, Nature, Preschool, socio-emotional Development, problems, neighborhoods, Exposure, Behavior
School neighbourhood and compliance with WHO-recommended annual N02 guideline: A case study of Greater London
Shoari, Niloofar
Bayesian spatial analysis of 2861 London schools showed traffic-related variables predict noncompliance with WHO NO2 limits; more school or neighborhood green space reduced exceedance odds. Findings support targeted environmental equity strategies.
Keywords: Air pollution, Bayesian spatial models, nitrogen dioxide, school's exposure, neighbourhood attributes
Building-related health symptoms and classroom indoor air quality: a survey of school teachers in New York State
Kielb, C.
Cross-sectional phone survey of ~500 NYS teachers linking self-reported symptoms to classroom characteristics related to indoor air quality. Dust, mold, and paint odors were strongly associated with sinus, allergy, and respiratory symptoms. Suggests…
Keywords: Indoor air quality , School health, Teachers, Occupational health, Allergens, Chemical irritants
Advancing a multidisciplinary research framework on school environment, occupant health, and performance
Magzamen, Sheryl
Editorial reviews fragmented evidence linking indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and school climate to student health and achievement. Proposes integrated framework across physical and psychosocial domains to guide policy and interdisciplinary…
Keywords: None listed by authors
A need for evidence-based and multidisciplinary research to study the effects of the interaction of school environmental conditions on student achievement
Lau, Josephine
Editorial calls for research linking indoor air quality, lighting, thermal and acoustic factors to student outcomes. Cites methodological gaps and lack of integrated environmental assessments in school settings. Urges multidisciplinary approaches…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Building Features in Schools That Influence Academic Performance
Salary, Sogol
Mixed methods study developed school building feature inventory via literature review, CAB input, and stakeholder surveys. Identifies features believed to affect student achievement and guides future renovation assessments. Emphasizes research-…
Keywords: School building features, Student performance, School facilities, School architecture
Environmental Justice and Green Schools—Assessing Students and Communities’ Access to Green Schools
Zhao, Shuang
National dataset and logit models assessed green school access by race, income, and school type. Minority and low-income areas more likely to receive green schools. Results challenge assumptions about environmental injustice in new school siting.
Keywords: None listed by authors