Unlike the early grades, high school classrooms are simpler in design but tailored to their individual subject matter. While students previously switched classrooms for instruction, it's possible that some cohort-type programs will keep as many students in the same space as possible. This layout assumes that style of instruction, allowing students to remain in the same well-distanced desks with all of their subjects' supplies at hand.

The same distancing guidelines, acrylic screens, and cleaning supplies will be necessary in all secondary education settings. Depending on your district's plans, these layouts can be customized to fit your class size, subjects, and needs. See more options and advice in our complete guide to reimagining the post-COVID classroom.

Whether you're retrofitting, renovating, or reinventing your classroom, NBF has the tools you need to make a safe return to the classroom. Contact us at 800-558-1010 for details about our complimentary space planning and design services.

 

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Original Layout

A Standard Student Desk
B Teacher Desk, Chair, Storage
C Whiteboard
D Storage Cabinets
E Upgraded Student Desk

F Tape Distancing Indicators
G Acrylic Divider
H Standing-Height Clear Screen
J Mobile Power Tower
K Hand Sanitizer Cart

L Cleaning Caddy
N Posters
O Tripod with Camera
P Mobile Laptop Cart

 

Original Layout

  • Classrooms typically see a rotation of students throughout the day
  • Teachers are permanently assigned to the room and do not rotate
  • Supplies and decorations are dependent on the subject matter; storage varies
  • Technology depends on the subject, district, and funding of the school
  • Laptops or tablets typically travel with students; an increased need for electrical outlets but decreased access to charging carts
  • Capacity ranges from late teens to 30 students, depending on the school
     

Reimagined Layout


 

 

  • Administrative changes will create the greatest separation; cohort programs, partially virtual schooling, increased number of classrooms, etc. will dictate layout
  • This illustrated layout assumes a cohort program where students rotate classrooms as little as possible throughout the day
  • Teachers desks become rotating touchdown areas for rotating teachers
  • This layout includes a tripod with a web-enabled camera as well as a mobile laptop cart to allow for a partially-remote classroom
  • Space out desks as much as possible and use tape or floor decals to illustrate adequate spacing between desks; add acrylic dividers as needed
  • Upgrade student desks to feature increased storage beneath and on the back of the seat
  • Increase classroom storage; provide students with buckets to store individual supplies for retrieval at the start of the day
  • Add mobile power towers that can be moved to students' areas, eliminating the need to crowd near outlets
  • Add a large standing-height, transparent screen in front of the whiteboard
  • Add a three-sided acrylic divider to the teachers' desk, if positioned close to students 
  • Add a hand sanitizer station at the doorway and place several cleaning caddies throughout the classroom; ensure that some disinfectants are technology-safe
  • Install cleanliness and safety posters throughout the room to clearly communicate expectations



 

 

 

Clean Classroom Must-Haves

Classroom Storage

Room Dividers

Sanitizer Dispensers

Personal Protective Equipment

⯈ Student Desks

⯈ Student Chairs

 

⯈ Classroom Tables

⯈ Mobile Boards