Too Hot to Learn? How Schools and Parents Can Work Together During Heat Waves

By Yan Zhou | Parent & Catholic School Council Member

As summer temperatures rise, many classrooms across the Greater Toronto Area are feeling the heat — literally. In some schools, especially older buildings without full air conditioning, classrooms (especially on upper floors) can become uncomfortably warm during heat waves.

As a parent and school council member, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for students and teachers to focus when the heat becomes overwhelming. While fans help, they often aren’t enough on the hottest days.

This blog post explores the issue and shares a few practical, parent-friendly ideas that could make a difference — without placing heavy demands on schools or staff.

☀️ What Happens When Classrooms Get Too Hot?

When indoor temperatures rise, students may feel tired, distracted, or irritable. Some experience headaches or struggle to stay focused. Teachers may also find it harder to manage classrooms and keep energy levels up.

This isn’t just a matter of comfort — it’s about creating an environment where students can feel calm, alert, and ready to learn.

🤒 Why 26°C Should Be the Maximum

Pediatricians and the broader medical community agree: 26 degrees Celsius should be the maximum indoor temperature for classrooms. Beyond this point, children — especially younger ones or those with medical or sensory needs — are at increased risk of heat-related stress and fatigue.

This is more than a comfort issue.

It’s a labour issue — about the rights of our educators to a safe and healthy workplace.

And it’s a child safety issue — about whether we’re truly taking our duty of care for students seriously.

Right now, Ontario has no legal maximum temperature standard for classrooms. That needs to change.

🤝 How Schools Are Gently Managing the Heat

Many schools are already taking thoughtful steps to reduce the impact of hot weather. Some strategies include:

• Encouraging Hydration

Teachers remind students to drink water often, and some schools provide easy access to refill stations.

• Using Fans and Open Windows

Fans and natural ventilation help improve airflow, especially in classrooms that get stuffy.

• Adjusting Activities

Outdoor play may be shortened or moved to shaded areas. PE classes might be held indoors with lighter activities.

• Creating Cool Spaces

Air-conditioned areas like libraries or offices can be used as “cool-down” spots when needed.

💡 Additional Ideas from Other School Communities

Here are a few gentle, community-based ideas that some schools and parents are exploring:

Portable Air Conditioning Units: In some classrooms, mobile AC units have been added (with principal or board approval) to provide temporary relief.
Cooling Kits: Some parent councils have donated cooling towels, misting bottles, or mini desk fans to classrooms.
Mini Fans with Water Mist: Some students bring small, handheld fans with water mist spray. These are a great, low-cost way for children to stay cool at their desks — and they’re usually rechargeable and quiet.
Shifting Classroom Use: On very hot days, students may temporarily relocate to cooler rooms on lower floors.

None of these require major renovations — just small, supportive changes that can go a long way.

👨‍👩‍👦 How Parents Can Support

If your child is coming home exhausted from the heat, here are a few simple steps you can take:

Send a refillable water bottle and encourage your child to drink throughout the day.
Speak kindly with your teacher or principal to ask how the school is managing the heat and if there’s anything parents can do to help.
Join the Catholic School Council and bring up ideas or resources that might improve classroom comfort in a cooperative way.
Be flexible during heat alerts — for example, some families choose to pick up their children early when they know a classroom is especially hot.

🔄 A Shared Effort, and a Call for Change

We understand that schools are doing their best with the resources they have. As parents, we’re not looking to place blame — we simply want to help where we can. Whether it’s sharing tips from other communities, donating a few cooling items, or gently raising the issue at council meetings, every small step can make a big difference.

But we also need to look at the bigger picture: it’s time for a provincial standard on classroom heat.

Because no student or teacher should be expected to work through 30+ degree heat — and no learning should happen in a space that feels like a sauna.

💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If your school has a great idea for handling the heat — or if you’ve found something helpful for your own child — I’d love to hear it. Let’s keep sharing ideas across our communities so we can all learn from each other.

After all, we’re all in this together — and every child deserves a classroom that feels calm, safe, and ready for learning.