Environment & Climate
School heat waves impair learning and lower test scores
Scientific American reports that rising temperatures reduce academic performance, with air conditioning serving as a key buffer.
The short version
- A systematic review of global studies shows higher temperatures lower student performance on standardized tests.[Scientific American]
- Air conditioning significantly reduces heat-related learning loss, though one-fifth of classrooms in New York City still lacked AC in 2025.[Scientific American]
- Learning losses from heat disproportionately impact low-income and racially marginalized students.[Scientific American]
Key facts
- A July systematic review of 14 global studies links higher temperatures to reduced student performance on standardized tests.[Scientific American]
- Research indicates schools equipped with full air conditioning experienced roughly one-fifth of the learning loss of schools without it.[Scientific American]
- A 2025 report found that 20 percent of New York City classrooms lacked air conditioning.[Scientific American]
- The greatest learning losses associated with heat were recorded among low-income and racially marginalized students.[Scientific American]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- How heat makes it harder for students to learnScientific American metered