Education Acoustics
Students can't learn what they can't hear. Classroom acoustics directly affect learning outcomes.
Why School Acoustics Matter
Research is clear: students in classrooms with poor acoustics perform worse on standardized tests. When reverberation time is too high, speech becomes muddled. Students in the back of the room miss words. Kids with hearing difficulties, learning disabilities, or ESL challenges are hit hardest.
The ANSI S12.60 standard sets acoustic requirements for classrooms. It limits background noise to 35 dB and reverberation time to 0.6 seconds for small classrooms, 0.7 seconds for larger ones. Many older school buildings don't meet these standards. New construction should.
Products for Education
- T-bar ceiling tiles — High-NRC tiles (0.70+) are the most cost-effective way to control classroom reverberation. This is the single biggest acoustic improvement most classrooms can make.
- Felt baffles — Cafeterias, gymnasiums, and multi-purpose rooms with high ceilings and open structures. Baffles tame the echo without covering the ceiling.
- Soundscape baffles and clouds — Armstrong's fiberglass baffles for school cafeterias and gyms. High NRC, paintable in school colors.
- Felt wall panels — Classrooms, hallways, and common areas. Durable, colorful, and effective. Younger kids benefit from bright colors; the panels serve double duty as acoustic treatment and decor.
- Wood grille ceilings — University libraries, student centers, and lecture halls. Premium look with acoustic substance.
- Soundproofing panels — Music rooms and band rooms. Block sound from bleeding into adjacent classrooms.
Typical Education Projects
- New school construction — full ceiling packages for all classroom and common areas
- School renovation — replacing old tile and grid, often as part of Prop 39 or modernization projects
- Cafeteria acoustic improvements — baffles and wall panels to reduce noise
- University lecture halls and auditoriums — custom ceiling and wall treatments
- Library renovations — quiet environments with high-NRC ceilings
- Music rooms — soundproofing to contain instrument noise
DSA and School Construction
In California, school construction goes through the Division of the State Architect (DSA). We're familiar with DSA requirements for acoustical ceiling installation, including seismic bracing, fire-rated assemblies, and inspection protocols. Our crews know what inspectors look for and install accordingly.
Education Acoustic Solutions by Product
- Acoustical Ceilings for Schools
- Wall Panels for Schools
- Acoustic Baffles for Schools
- Wood Ceilings for Schools
- Metal Ceilings for Schools
Get a Quote
School projects — new builds or renovations — need a contractor who understands the standards and the permitting process. Contact us for a free estimate.