Noise Control for Classrooms: How to Create a Better Learning Environment

Last fall, I worked with a school district that had just built a beautiful new elementary school. Modern design, open-concept classrooms, lots of natural light. But within weeks of opening, teachers began to voice a common complaint:

"I can’t get through a lesson without repeating myself five times. The students can’t hear me—and I can’t hear them."

After visiting the site, it was clear what was happening. The sleek surfaces, high ceilings, and lack of acoustic treatment meant sound was bouncing uncontrollably. Hallway noise spilled into classrooms, and even small conversations turned into a distracting hum. We developed a custom acoustical plan with a combination of ceiling tiles, wall panels, and door seals. The results? A noticeable drop in reverberation time, improved student engagement, and happier teachers.

Here’s how you can do the same.

Noise issues in classrooms stem from both external and internal sources. Outside, playgrounds, traffic, and hallway activity bleed through windows and doors. Inside, sound builds from HVAC systems, student chatter, chair movement, and hard reflective surfaces like whiteboards, glass, and tile floors. Without acoustic treatment, all this sound energy reflects and amplifies, creating a chaotic soundscape.

Noise isn't just an inconvenience—it impacts how students learn and how teachers teach. Research shows that excessive noise reduces attention span, reading comprehension, and memory retention. For students with hearing challenges, sensory processing disorders, or ESL backgrounds, poor acoustics create an even steeper learning curve.

A well-treated classroom fosters better focus, reduces vocal strain for teachers, and creates a more inclusive learning environment.

Let’s look at practical ways to reduce noise and improve acoustic comfort in schools. Each of these solutions addresses different sources of noise and works best when used in combination.

Acoustic ceiling tiles absorb sound energy and help reduce echo and ambient noise. This is especially useful in classrooms with hard floors and minimal soft furnishings, where sound tends to bounce around freely.

In addition to ceiling tiles for echo control, PrivacyShield® Ceiling Barrier Components offer advanced noise isolation between floors and plenum spaces. This includes plenum return silencers, and light hoods, all designed to reduce airborne sound transfer through ceiling grids and HVAC openings. These components are ideal for minimizing disruptions from overhead noise and ensuring quieter, more focused learning environments.

Placing panels on key reflective surfaces absorbs mid-to-high-frequency sounds and controls reverberation. Position them at ear level for the best impact on speech clarity, especially in classrooms where group discussions and lectures are common. These panels also reduce strain on the teacher’s voice and improve focus for all learners.

In rooms with high or open ceilings—like gymnasiums, music rooms, or STEM labs—baffles and clouds hang vertically or horizontally to trap sound waves before they reflect across the space. This added dimension of sound absorption helps calm noisy environments, supporting clearer communication and better concentration.

Acoustic door seal kits and window inserts block outside noise from entering the classroom. They're especially helpful near playgrounds, traffic areas, or shared hallways. Proper sealing also prevents internal sound from leaking into adjacent rooms, maintaining privacy and minimizing distractions between learning spaces.

Carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture help absorb impact noise and reduce sound reflections from hard surfaces. Even small additions—like felt pads on chair legs or soft bulletin board materials—can create a more acoustically balanced space. These low-cost upgrades are easy to implement and go a long way in minimizing classroom noise.

We work with a variety of schools and have found the following products from Acoustical Solutions to be effective in real-world settings:

Not every learning space is the same. Here are some tips for specific classroom types:

Even with limited funding, there are effective ways to improve acoustics:

Some schools may qualify for grants related to learning accessibility or special education support.

You don’t need a decibel meter to know when noise is a problem—but a basic acoustic assessment can help you prioritize solutions. Look for signs like echo, difficulty hearing from the back of the room, or general discomfort during group work.

Acoustical Solutions offers consultation services and can help you identify the right mix of materials for your space.

A well-designed acoustic environment supports both students and staff. From clear communication to calmer behavior, noise control is a critical part of any modern educational space.

Need help creating a quieter classroom? Contact Acoustical Solutions for expert product recommendations and tailored guidance.