Air conditioning in schools is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. As the temperature rises and summer approaches, keeping classrooms cool becomes critical for both students and teachers. At Steps into Spain, we frequently hear from parents and educators concerned about heat in schools, especially in places like Madrid where temperatures regularly soar.
In June and September, classrooms in Madrid can feel like ovens. Last year, teachers had to pause lessons multiple times a day to ensure students and staff did not overheat. Yet surprisingly, many schools in Madrid — even some of the most expensive — still lack air conditioning. This has sparked a heated debate: should all schools install AC units, or should students adapt to the heat? While cost is a concern, rising global temperatures suggest this problem won’t disappear soon.
The Current Situation: Air Conditioning in Schools in Madrid
On 27th April, Madrid reached 30ºC (86ºF) — and it’s only spring. In Spain, there’s a saying: “en abril aguas mil” (April brings the rains), but this April has brought heat instead. For now, temperatures are manageable, but with two months of school remaining, what lies ahead is uncertain.
Workplaces in Spain have regulations that prevent indoor temperatures from exceeding 27ºC, but classrooms are not covered by such rules. The Regional Government of Madrid recently issued recommendations for extreme heat, such as teaching some lessons outdoors in the shade and adjusting extracurricular activities. However, these measures cannot replace proper air conditioning.
Challenges and Solutions
Lack of Air Conditioning in Schools
Currently, many public and private schools in Madrid operate without air conditioning. For nursery schools, the government is investing €1.5 million to install underfloor cooling systems in 31 centres for children aged zero to three. While this is a positive step, it does not address the needs of older students.
Global Perspectives
In some countries — including the United States — air conditioning in schools is more common. Yet even there, classrooms can overheat, and temporary solutions like fans and water breaks are used. These are not sustainable strategies. The long-term solution must involve proper cooling systems that allow students to focus on learning.
Sustainable Cooling Options
Some schools have adopted renewable energy sources, like solar panels, to power air conditioning systems. While effective, such solutions are expensive and not feasible for every institution. Another option is to reschedule classes during cooler parts of the day, though this approach can disrupt the standard timetable.
Why Air Conditioning in Schools Matters
Comfort directly impacts learning. Hot classrooms make concentration difficult, affect wellbeing, and can even hinder academic performance. Steps into Spain believes that ensuring a safe, comfortable learning environment should be a priority for every school — particularly in cities with rising summer temperatures like Madrid.
Parents, teachers, and policymakers must work together to ensure that air conditioning in schools moves from being a luxury to a necessity. Whether through investment in cooling systems, adopting renewable energy, or restructuring school hours, solutions must be found to protect students’ learning conditions.
Steps into Spain is committed to guiding parents through educational challenges like this — helping families make informed decisions about schools and their facilities.
If you’re planning a move to Spain and trying to make sense of schools in Madrid, there are a few ways to get started — depending on where you are in the process.
Some families begin with a clear overview of how the system works. Others prefer personalised guidance or hands-on school search support.
You can see the different options here and choose what suits your situation.
Sinéad Galvin is the Founder of Steps into Spain, a boutique education consultancy based in Madrid. She helps families from all over the world find the right school for their child and navigate the Spanish admissions process. Get in touch via stepsintospain.es or book your free call to get started.
