Exploring how extreme weather is limiting student opportunity, and what leaders can do about it
What does a small school district in Maine have in common with a large, urban district in Michigan?
Both Saco Schools and Ann Arbor Public Schools are confronting the growing impacts of extreme weather on their aging school buildings – and both are investing in modern HVAC systems to keep their schools open and their communities safe.
These districts are far from alone. A recent GAO report found that approximately one in five U.S. school districts canceled school at least once in 2024–25 because of a facility emergency, citing classroom temperature issues as one of the top drivers.
Extreme weather has become a regular part of the school year, and an urgent threat to student health, learning, and district budgets.
Already this year, extreme heat and other severe weather events – including floods, hurricanes, and wildfires – have disrupted learning at thousands of schools across the country.
But like Saco and Ann Arbor Public Schools, a growing number of districts are taking action: preparing for risks now by modernizing their buildings to be more resilient and cost-effective.
Explore resources and recent media coverage highlighting the risks schools face and the solutions leaders are embracing to make schools healthy, safe, and resilient learning environments.
Extreme Weather, School Closures, and Lost Learning Time
More than half a million students have already experienced extreme weather-related school disruptions as the 2026–27 school year gets underway. We're tracking when and where these disruptions occur on the Lost Learning Time Map and dashboards.
Energy Tax Credits for Ground-Source Heat Pumps
Ground-source heat pumps are a modern HVAC solution that delivers cooler classrooms and healthy indoor air – and schools can qualify for federal energy tax credits that help offset costs. Visit the Energy Tax Credits for Schools Hub for examples and case studies, office hours, tips on claiming credits, and more.
Recent Media Coverage
This fall, Undaunted contributed to coverage in TIME, The74, Forbes, The Hechinger Report, and others on how extreme weather is disrupting learning and putting pressure on schools. The stories draw on evidence of weather-related disruptions and highlight how districts are addressing the growing challenges.
