In fall 2020, about 49.4 million students attended public schools in prekindergarten to grade 12 in the United States (according to the National Center for Education Statistics). As the population continues to increase or states see a shift in where people decide to live, the need for efficient and safe teaching spaces has been growing at a fast rate.
To accommodate the increase in students, some schools have decided to construct new buildings and classrooms, but even making minor changes to buildings can be costly and time-consuming. School schedules, also, only allow for small windows of construction time, usually during the summer, if the construction is an add-on project. Construction sites are not safe for students and can be distracting.
Modular classrooms are an effective solution to this problem as they are flexible, cost-effective, and can be constructed quickly within the constraints of a school schedule.
The Benefits of a Portable Classroom
Portable classrooms are a cost-effective way to adapt to classroom overcrowding, whether short-term or long-term, modular buildings offer a solution for schools and districts nation-wide. Depending on the needs, schools can rent or purchase prefab classrooms or administrative buildings.
Overcrowding
Portable classrooms can solve school district problems on tight time constraints:
- Shifting demographics and trying to predict enrollment numbers have become difficult for schools. Especially for areas experiencing exponential growth, like in the Dallas suburbs. The fluctuating and growing enrollment number of students demand flexible solutions to house all the staff, admin, and students. Renting or purchasing modular classrooms is a quick fix to prevent overcrowding. Modular buildings are a cost-effective and time-saving solution to provide teaching and admin spaces. Sustainable Modular Management offers a wide range of modular buildings that accommodate schools.
- With a very small window to allow for construction, schools can only carry out renovations or construction during summer break/vacation. The limited time is usually not enough time to complete renovations and get everything prepared before the first day of school. Using modular building solutions allows schools and districts to utilize other free periods including summer break, winter break, spring break, or other pauses in classroom teaching time.
- Many school districts don’t have the budgets for traditional add-on construction projects. Instead, schools can get fully equipped classrooms, administrative buildings, labs, etc. without having to pay astronomical prices for full-blown construction projects. Modular buildings offer options to purchase and/or lease.
Modular Adaptations and Versatility
Modern times call for modern capabilities. Schools are constantly adjusting to accommodate new teaching methods and requirements. Modular school buildings allow for the freedom to adjust. Traditional construction practices are rigid and don’t allow for the flexibility of altering spaces. Choosing modular and portable buildings allows for easy and cost-effective changes or even for complete overhauls of spaces.
Schools need versatility and modular classrooms offer flexibility on time, budget, and use of space. Choosing to go modular can allow for less disruption, increased flexibility, and quick solutions to many of the problems striking our public and private school systems.
