Classroom with kids

Have you ever wondered why some classrooms feel more conducive to learning than others? Well, the secret lies in their acoustics. Classroom acoustics can make or break the learning experience because if the students can’t hear properly, they can’t learn, and that defeats the purpose of in-classroom learning.

Many people don’t understand that sound quality is not just about volume, but also the clarity of sound. That’s why we want to take this time to introduce you to the world of acoustics in the classroom and unpack how you can take control of them for the ideal learning environment.

Why Do Classrooms Need Acoustic Treatment?

From a teacher delivering a lecture to students engaging in group discussions, classrooms can be dynamic spaces filled with a wide range of sounds. The challenge lies in managing and controlling the sounds so that everyone can hear clearly. Add ambient noise from nearby classrooms, bustling hallways, or even the world outside the windows, and it’s clear why classrooms need to control and block sound.

Fortunately, there are solutions available that can mitigate common acoustic issues and significantly improve the overall sound environment, which can lead to a better learning experience for all students. Whether you want to control the sound or make your classroom completely soundproof, we have the perfect option for you.

The Difference Between Soundproofing and Sound Absorption

Before we delve deeper into solutions, it’s important to differentiate between soundproofing and sound absorption. Sound absorption is the process of controlling sound by reducing reverberation and echoes within a space, which leads to clearer, crisper sound. It enhances the sound quality inside a room to make it easier for students and teachers to hear and understand one another.

Soundproofing, on the other hand, is the process of blocking sound from entering or leaving a room. It isolates a classroom from external noise in order to allow teachers and students to focus without disruption. Understanding the distinctions between soundproofing and sound absorption is vital for creating an effective classroom acoustic design strategy.

How to Create Better Acoustics in a Classroom

First, let’s focus on actionable strategies to improve classroom acoustics using sound absorption technology. It may seem daunting initially, but with the right products, you can significantly enhance your classroom’s acoustic environment.

Fiberglass Sound Insulation: Benefits and Comparison

AlphaSorb® Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panel Edge Styles – Square, Beveled, Mitered, Rounded (not available)

Install Acoustical Treatments on the Classroom’s Rear Wall

It all starts with the rear wall of the classroom, opposite the teacher. Installing absorption materials on the rear wall helps capture and control sound by reducing echoes that can distort speech clarity. A reflective surface on a wall can cause sound to bounce around, which makes it difficult for students to hear clearly enough to understand what’s being said, especially those sitting farther from the teacher.

To accomplish sound control, we highly recommend the AlphaSorb® Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panel. The panels absorb sound, reducing echo and background noise to improve the sound environment, and boost speech clarity. Plus, they come in various colors and sizes, so that you can enhance acoustics without compromising the aesthetics of your classroom.

Install Acoustical Treatment on the Rear Ceiling Area

The rear ceiling area of the classroom is another critical zone that may require acoustical treatment. You should only apply acoustical treatments to the rear section. The front and middle parts of the ceiling should be reflective to help sound travel.

Sonex Contour Basix Pattern Arctic White (HPC Coated)

Sonex® Contour Basix Pattern Arctic White (HPC Coated)

A great acoustical treatment option for rear ceilings is the SONEX® Contour Ceiling Tile, which combines sound-absorbing properties with an aesthetically pleasing design. The tile’s unique shape helps scatter sound, to reduce echo and noise while improving your overall sound quality within the classroom.

Install Acoustical Treatment on the Upper Side Walls

If you want a comprehensive sound absorption plan, don’t overlook the upper side walls of your classroom. Adding acoustic treatments like our SONEX® Contour Panels to the upper side walls can prevent sound from bouncing back and forth, and thereby reducing echo and reverberation. With their unique design and incredible sound absorption properties, these panels are ideal for any classroom environment.

How to Soundproof a Classroom

The PrivacyShield Window Seal Kit is easy to install and remove.

The PrivacyShield® Window Seal Kit is easy to install and remove.

While sound absorption addresses the sound quality within the room, soundproofing ensures that outside noise doesn’t disrupt the learning process. Here’s how you can soundproof your classroom using innovative products from Acoustical Solutions.

Apply Acoustical Treatments to the Windows

Windows, while essential for light and ventilation, can be a significant source of outside noise. If your classroom is near a busy intersection, a playground, or anywhere else that produces a lot of noise, it can create sound problems inside the classroom. Fortunately, applying acoustic treatment to your windows can help block out the external noise to improve classroom acoustics.

The PrivacyShield® Window Seal Kit is specifically designed to minimize outside noise. It’s extremely easy to install and highly effective in order to block out as much noise as possible from getting in through your windows.

PrivacyShield Door Seal Kit Complete Set Installed on an Office Door

PrivacyShield Door Seal Kit Complete Set Installed on an Office Door

Install a Soundproofing Door Seal Kit

Classroom doors are not just for entry and exit, they can also be a gateway for lots of noise. That’s why we always recommend soundproofing your doors to help block outside noise from disturbing the learning environment.

The PrivacyShield® Soundproofing Door Seal Kit (Complete Set) is a fantastic, all-in-one solution that is easy to install and is highly effective, that will transform your classroom doors into noise-blocking barriers and significantly reduce the level of intrusive noise.

Creating the Best Classroom Sound Environment Possible

Creating a holistic acoustic environment involves more than treating individual components. It requires a comprehensive approach that combines sound absorption and soundproofing techniques. If you want to create an effective solution, we recommend applying as many of the products we recommended above as possible.

It’s important to remember that your ultimate goal is to create a better learning environment for both teachers and students. This doesn’t always mean making a completely soundproof room. Unless you’re in a music or theater room, a blend of sound absorption and controlled soundproofing should be enough to create an excellent learning environment.

Improve Your Classroom Acoustics Today with Acoustical Solutions

Understanding and applying the principles of classroom acoustics can dramatically improve your learning environment. By focusing on both sound absorption and soundproofing, you can create a classroom that not only looks good, but sounds excellent too.

Don’t wait to transform your classroom. Contact our team today to learn more about our incredible range of products and how we can help you acoustically treat your classroom!


To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.