An elementary school in Jacksonville, Illinois, is proving that a little sunshine can go a long way when it comes to learning. Eisenhower Elementary School recently underwent a significant renovation that involved adding 70 new windows to its previously dim and dreary classrooms. The effort is part of a broader push to address an overlooked aspect of educational infrastructure: the role of natural daylight in student performance and wellbeing.
In the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, a prevailing architectural belief in the United States was that windows distracted students. As a result, many schools were constructed with few or no windows, creating enclosed spaces that prioritized discipline over comfort. Today, however, that design philosophy is widely recognized as misguided. In fact, emerging research strongly supports the benefits of natural light in educational settings, prompting many schools to re-evaluate and renovate their learning environments.
A landmark study by the Eneref Institute shed crucial light—literally and figuratively—on the issue. According to the research, students exposed to the highest levels of daylight in their classrooms progressed 20% faster in math and 26% faster in reading over the course of one academic year. The study concluded that far from being a distraction, daylight can reduce interruptions and help students focus more effectively.
This evidence is further supported by a 2024 study that confirmed students in daylight-filled classrooms score higher on standardized tests and are more engaged in class. These findings underscore the multifaceted impact of daylight, ranging from cognitive benefits to emotional and social wellbeing.
Windex, the well-known window cleaner brand, took this research to heart and launched its “Windows of Opportunity” program—an initiative aimed at transforming outdated school infrastructure by bringing in natural light. Eisenhower Elementary became one of the first beneficiaries of the program. Following the installation of the new windows, the school reported significant improvements not just academically, but also in student and teacher morale.
A post-installation survey revealed that 84% of teachers noticed a clear boost in student mood and wellbeing. Equally compelling, 93% of teachers reported improvements in their own emotional state and overall satisfaction at work. Moreover, 67% of the staff observed increased classroom participation and enthusiasm from their students.
“The atmosphere has completely changed,” noted one teacher. “Students are more alert, more engaged, and even seem more respectful toward each other. It’s as though the windows opened up more than just the walls—they opened up their minds.”
The change is also visually striking. Where once stood bleak, shadowy rooms now beam with sunlight, creating a more welcoming and dynamic space for learning. A video documenting the transformation has attracted attention online, reinforcing public interest in the intersection of architecture and education.
Windex sees Eisenhower Elementary’s success as a springboard. The company is actively exploring opportunities to replicate the initiative in other underserved or outdated school facilities. According to a company representative, “Our goal is to show how a simple yet powerful change—like adding daylight—can create a ripple effect of positivity throughout an entire school community.”
Academic institutions worldwide are beginning to take notice. A 2022 study by University College London found that among various environmental factors, such as temperature, noise, and indoor air quality, natural light had the most significant influence on student development and wellbeing. “Out of all design parameters in school, including air temperature, acoustics, and CO2 concentration, daylight has the highest impact on overall student progress,” said one of the study’s authors.
As Eisenhower Elementary’s story demonstrates, investing in brighter classrooms might just be one of the most effective—and overlooked—ways to support educational success. What began as a modest facilities upgrade has turned into a model of holistic school improvement, casting long shadows on the dark past of windowless classrooms.
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