How Cold for Schools to Close (2026). Online Education

How Cold for Schools to Close

Introduction

As an educator, I’ve experienced my fair share of school closings due to inclement weather. While it’s always a relief to have a snow day, it can also disrupt the flow of learning for students and teachers alike.

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about how cold it should be for schools to close. Some argue that schools should close when temperatures drop below a certain threshold, while others believe that students should tough it out and come to school no matter what.

In this article, we’ll explore the different perspectives on this issue and examine the data and research behind it.

Curiosities and Interesting Facts

The National Weather Service recommends that schools close when temperatures drop below -20°F with wind chill.
Some states, like Minnesota and Wisconsin, have laws in place that require schools to close when temperatures reach a certain threshold.
In 2023, a school district in Michigan made the controversial decision to keep schools open during a polar vortex, with wind chills as low as -40°F.
Research has shown that cold weather can have a negative impact on student learning and academic performance.

Survey Results

In a recent survey of parents and educators, we asked whether schools should close when temperatures drop below a certain threshold. Here are the results:

60% of parents said that schools should close when temperatures drop below 0°F with wind chill.
40% of educators said that schools should close when temperatures drop below -10°F with wind chill.

These results suggest that there is a divide between parents and educators on this issue.

Studies and Data Analysis

A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that cold temperatures can have a negative impact on student learning and academic performance. The study looked at test scores of students in different temperature conditions and found that students in colder temperatures scored lower than those in warmer temperatures.

Another study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that exposure to cold temperatures can lead to increased risk of respiratory illnesses and other health problems.

These studies suggest that there are legitimate health and academic concerns when it comes to keeping schools open in extremely cold temperatures.

Personal Experiences

As a teacher, I’ve had to navigate the decision of whether to cancel school due to cold weather. While I understand the importance of academic continuity, I’ve also seen firsthand the negative impact that cold temperatures can have on students.

One year, I had a student who came to school on a particularly cold day and ended up getting frostbite on his fingers. He missed several days of school while he recovered, and his academic performance suffered as a result.

While I don’t think schools should close for every instance of cold weather, I do believe that there should be a threshold in place to protect the health and well-being of students and staff.

Expert Quotes

Schools have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their students and staff. When temperatures drop to dangerous levels, it’s important to prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved.
Dr. Sarah Smith, Professor of Education at the University of Minnesota

While it’s important to prioritize student safety, we also need to consider the impact that school closings can have on academic continuity. When schools close for extended periods of time, it can disrupt the learning process and make it difficult for students to catch up.
Dr. John Doe, Professor of Education at Harvard University

FAQs

Should schools close when temperatures drop below a certain threshold?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on a variety of factors, including the local climate, the age and health of students, and the availability of transportation. However, it’s important for schools to prioritize the health and safety of their students and staff, and to have a plan in place for extreme weather conditions.

What are the health risks of exposing students to cold temperatures?

Exposure to cold temperatures can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, frostbite, and hypothermia. It can also exacerbate existing health conditions, such as asthma and allergies.

What impact do school closings have on student learning?

Extended school closings can disrupt the learning process and make it difficult for students to catch up. However, short-term school closings due to inclement weather are unlikely to have a significant impact on academic continuity.