Many school buildings across the country, such as Capitol Hill Montessori in Washington, D.C., date back to the early 1900s. | Photo Credit: Tom Holdsworth Photography
By听Sarah Eynon
The modern classroom is no longer defined by听the typical听four walls and a chalkboard. Today鈥檚 students learn across physical and digital environments simultaneously, and the spaces designed to support them must evolve accordingly. As schools continue to balance in-person and remote learning, equity has become the central design challenge听ensuring every student, regardless of where or how they learn, has access to the same quality of听accessibility,听technology, and experience.听
Energy Efficiency & Addressing Aging Infrastructure听
At the foundation of classroom equity is energy efficiency and infrastructure modernization. Many school buildings across the country, particularly in urban centers like Washington, D.C., date back to the early 1900s. These facilities were never designed to support today鈥檚 electrical demands, digital tools, or climate requirements. In some cases, classrooms still rely on open windows for ventilation听or听operate听using听a limited number of electrical outlets, constraints that directly affect learning outcomes.听
Energy-efficient upgrades are essential not only for sustainability, but also for reliability and comfort. Net-zero energy听buildings, (those that听produce as much energy as they听consume),听are becoming a benchmark for new construction. Achieving this requires comprehensive HVAC upgrades, proper ductwork, and building systems that support consistent indoor air quality. In D.C., new buildings must meet strict energy efficiency standards, reinforcing the need for solutions that are both compliant and adaptable over time.听
Technology Integration & Space Adaptability听
Addressing aging infrastructure often requires a range of strategic approaches.听Some projects involve removing interior walls to create flexible, open learning environments, in an effort to听preserve听historic exteriors.听Others require full replacements of outdated听electrical听and HVAC systems to meet modern educational demands. For buildings constructed in the 1960s through the 1980s, demolition and rebuilding may be the most practical option when renovation is no longer听feasible听when comparing cost benefits.听
Technology integration is another critical听component听of听equitable听classroom design. Today鈥檚 classrooms are expected to support smart boards, projectors, speaker-tracking cameras, and robust Wi-Fi infrastructure as standard tools, not听just as听enhancements. These technologies enable hybrid learning models that allow remote students to听participate听meaningfully alongside those in the room听and provide the accessibility needed.听
Technology alone, however, is not enough. Staff training is essential to ensure tools are used effectively and consistently. Recorded training sessions, user manuals, and accessible resources听allow educators to learn at their own pace and revisit materials as needed. Environmental controls also play a key role. Dimmable lighting听and quiet HVAC systems reduce distractions and give students greater control over their surroundings.听Sound equity is particularly important听as听students should never have to ask a teacher to speak louder due to poor acoustics.听Similarly, having an adaptable sound or lighting environment is conducive for those that have visual or learning sensitivities.听听
Beyond technology, classrooms must be听malleable听for the听range听educational learning platforms.听A single space may host lectures, arts programming, or STEM activities throughout the day. Portable furniture and modular layouts allow rooms to transform quickly, while dedicated maker spaces and outdoor learning environments support experiential learning and student engagement.听
Funding & Policy Considerations听
Funding and policy considerations add another layer of complexity, especially in Washington, D.C. Unlike municipalities that rely on bonds, D.C. school funding is partially provided by the federal government in two-year increments, requiring careful phasing and long-term planning. Projects must also pass through multiple regulatory bodies, including the Historic Preservation Board and the Commission of Fine Arts. Even demolition and new construction often require historic evaluations that affect schedules and budgets.听
As a result, budget planning is a critical success factor.听Inadaquate听cost forecasting can derail even the most well-intentioned projects.听It is advisable to have听a full-time cost consultant听to help听schools align funding cycles with realistic construction timelines and long-term operational goals.听
Equity, Community, and Stakeholder Engagement听
Equity also extends beyond students to the broader community. Schools increasingly serve as community hubs, hosting afterschool programs, arts events, and civic gatherings. Designing spaces that are welcoming, flexible, and accessible ensures facilities support both educational and community needs. Inclusive classrooms prioritize accessibility and participation, allowing remote learners to engage fully rather than听observe听passively.听
Stakeholder collaboration is essential in achieving these outcomes. Educational projects involve administrators, teachers, students, parents, engineers, designers, and preservationists, each with distinct priorities. Transparent communication and clear expectation-setting help manage feedback and build consensus, particularly when translating complex construction concepts for non-technical audiences.听
Challenges & Looking Ahead听
Looking ahead, schools are increasingly open to emerging technologies, including AI-driven tools, with minimal resistance. The focus is on balancing technological fluency with the development of听critical thinking skills.听Ultimately, classroom听modernization is not about technology for its own听sake,听it is about creating environments that are engaging, inclusive, and future-ready, where every student has an equal opportunity to learn,听participate, and succeed.听
Sarah Eynon is Senior Director with MGAC.