PRESS RELEASE: CoolinG the classroom

Phoenix, Sept. 16, 2026 -- Micrometeorological modeling of Phoenix has identified the top 10 schools and schoolyards that would see the most cooling if the city continues to adopt heat mitigation policies, according to a new analysis by the non-profit Smart Surfaces Coalition. Common sense solutions citywide could keep the areas around Phoenix schools up to 4.2°F cooler, the nonprofit organization reveals in its new assessment.

Efforts to cool classrooms and schoolyards in Phoenix could not come at a better time. Extreme heat is forcing Phoenix-area schools to alter their schedules, keeping kids inside from recess and creating distracted learning environments. In an interview with KJZZ Phoenix (NPR), ASU Professor Ali Poulos highlighted how many schools are ill-equipped to deal with extreme heat on their grounds, even if they have adequate AC. 

The review by Smart Surfaces Coalition, based on the organization’s new satellite mapping and micrometeorological modeling, identifies Academy of Math and Science Flower near the Maryvale neighborhood as the Phoenix school that would benefit the most from citywide cooling strategies. The K-8 charter school’s neighborhood could be up to 4.2°F cooler with the adoption of policies and programs to add more urban trees, green-stormwater infrastructure, cool roofs, permeable paving, and reflective pavement technologies in the city. 

The top 10 schools in Phoenix with the greatest potential for cooling are:

1. Academy of Math & Science Flower: 4.2°F

2. Phoenix Union Bioscience High School: 3.8°F

3. ASU Preparatory Academy Pilgrim Rest: 3.5°F

4. Central High School: 3.4°F

5. Brophy College Preparatory: 3.4°F

6. Taylor Made Prep Academy: 3.2°F

7. BASIS Phoenix Central: 3.1°F

8. Phoenix Coding Academy: 3.1°F

9. Faith North School: 3.1°F

10. Arizona School for the Arts: 3.0°F

“Smart surfaces including shade trees, green stormwater infrastructure, reflective roofs and pavements, permeable paving and others can save lives,” said Greg Kats, CEO and founder of Smart Surfaces Coalition. “At a time of skyrocketing temperatures, these common sense fixes can protect Phoenix’s schoolchildren from dangerous heat inside classrooms and on the playgrounds.” 

In addition to the benefits to schools and students, citywide cooling has expansive health, economic, and environmental benefits.  Recent updates to Phoenix’s public building standards are projected to save the city money on energy bills, reduce the risk of drought, and yield numerous health and economic benefits. Additionally, the city’s new “Shade Phoenix Plan” will include $60 million in investment in tree canopy and constructed shade, protecting residents from the scorching sun while improving air quality and sequestering carbon.

Temperature reductions also boost academic performance, improve the health of outdoor athletes, and increase student attendance. A 1°F-hotter school year was associated with a 1% loss in learning in a study from the American Economic Journal. Students were 16% more likely to be absent on days when temperatures exceeded 90°F compared to temperatures in the 60s, according to a study of schools without air conditioning from Harvard University. Afterschool athletes are also dramatically affected by extreme heat, with more than 9,000 high school athletes treated for heat-related illnesses each year. Cooler temperatures mean kids can play outside at recess without worrying about scorching heat.

Ten major US cities, including Phoenix, have partnered with the Smart Surfaces Coalition (SSC) to make their infrastructure more resilient, sustainable, and cooler in the face of climate change. SSC research shows a total 35-year potential of $8.3 billion in electricity bill savings, $13.6 billion in public health benefits, and $14.9 billion in avoided infrastructure costs if those 10 partner cities embrace policies to build out climate resilient infrastructure. SSC also modeled the potential impacts for more than 800 suburban cities in the metro areas of the core cities.

The cities – Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Columbia (SC), Dallas, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Phoenix, Portland (OR), and San Antonio – are taking action. Some examples include advanced green stormwater infrastructure policy in Boston, a Sustainable Facilities Policy update in Charlotte, an update to land development regulations in Jacksonville that incentivizes resilient infrastructure, a Climate Bond Resolution in Dallas that ties climate mitigation and resilience requirements to the city's most recent $1.25 billion bond program, a landmark cool roof ordinance in Atlanta, a Cool Neighborhoods Program in San Antonio, and many other plans and policies.

Smart Surfaces Coalition:
The Smart Surfaces Coalition is proud to partner with over 40 leading national and international organizations with a shared commitment to creating cooler, healthier, and more resilient cities by cost-effectively reducing the impacts of extreme urban heat and flooding. Smart Surfaces — reflective, porous, and green urban surfaces along with trees and solar PV — can cut peak summer temperatures by 5°F or more, decrease flood risk, slow climate change, and improve public health, with the greatest improvements in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. smartsurfacescoalition.org 

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jim Popkin, Seven Oaks Media Group
jim@sevenoaksmedia.com
202.253.7959

Olivia Peay, Smart Surfaces Coalition
opeay@smartsurfacescoalition.org