Educational institutions require high-security, fire-rated and access-controlled doors to protect students, faculty, and staff while maintaining a positive learning environment. While the range of security and opening solutions might seem daunting, it's important to remember the basics, and build your school security ecosystem from there. A safe school isn’t created overnight.
Let’s start with the basics. We will break down school security options into two groups: security and openings. Security includes everything from surveillance cameras to vape detection, and the level of security a school needs will reflect the breadth of solutions it should employ.
Openings are a universal need for schools. The term “opening” includes the door, frame, and hardware. Every aspect of the opening is crucial to the security, strength, and longevity of a school’s infrastructure.
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Together, security and openings play a critical role in school safety, and both are necessary in creating an environment that better protects students, staff, and visitors without compromising daily operations.
Security & Access Control
Schools and childcare centers must balance security and accessibility to ensure a safe and seamless experience. Surveillance, threat detection and access control are three key technologies for schools to consider, and these can be used at different levels, depending on a school’s needs.
Surveillance Cameras and Accessories
Video Surveillance
Modern video surveillance helps schools monitor activity in real time, deter misconduct, and respond quickly to incidents. High-definition cameras paired with AI analytics and remote access can detect unusual behavior, whether it be loitering, altercations, or unauthorized visitors, and provide immediate notification – allowing for quicker response times to stop an emergency before it happens.
License Plate Recognition
These systems provide an additional layer of awareness by capturing vehicle data at drop-off zones, parking lots, and campus perimeters. These systems help track visitors, support law enforcement investigations, and automate access for staff and approved vehicles.
Threat Detection
There are a variety of proactive threat detection systems schools can utilize. Vape and concealed weapon detection devices can be installed in restrooms and hallways, giving schools real-time insights into prohibited activities that threaten health and safety. Portable weapons detection systems can be used throughout the school day to search students and visitors at entrances and later be used outdoors for sporting events. The level and type of threat detection a school needs will vary, and the use cases for threat detection systems can be endless.
Access Control
Access Control Systems
A secure campus starts with controlling who can go where and when. Today’s scalable access control systems use keycards, mobile credentials, or biometrics to manage access to classrooms, administrative offices, IT closets, and more. In the event of an emergency, systems with remote lockdown capabilities allow school leaders to secure the building instantly.
Visitor Access Management Software
Traditional sign-in sheets are a thing of the past. Digital visitor management platforms streamline student check-ins, verify identities, and issue temporary badges. Some systems even integrate with student information databases and criminal registries, flagging potential risks before they even reach classroom areas.
Openings: Doors, Frames & Hardware
Security starts at the door. Whether it is the front entrance, a classroom door, or gymnasium exit, the door plays an integral role in the safety of that room and the building as a whole. A properly locked and secured door can be the first line of defense against threats.
Doors & Frames
Security starts at the door. Whether it is the front entrance, a classroom door, or gymnasium exit, the door plays an integral role in the safety of that room and the building as a whole. A properly locked and secured door can be the first line of defense against threats.
High-Security and Fire-Rated Doors
Interior and exterior doors play a critical role in both daily safety and emergency preparedness. Fire-rated doors are required by code in certain areas, and ballistic-resistant doors can be considered as part of a broader, layered security strategy for spaces like classrooms, main entries, and administrative offices. Pairing these doors with smart locks or classroom intruder function locks supports fast lockdowns without needing to open the door.
Touchless & ADA-Compliant Entry Systems
Automatic doors enhance accessibility for all students and staff. Touchless operation not only supports ADA compliance but also helps reduce germ transmission. ADA compliance affects almost every feature of a door, including but not limited to, door width, threshold height, opening force, clear space, and signage. Ensuring your school is accessible for all is essential, and like security, accessibility often starts at the front door.
Soundproof and Acoustic Doors
Noise control matters in learning environments. Acoustic-rated doors are perfect for classrooms, music rooms, libraries, and testing areas where distractions can interfere with learning outcomes.
Hardware
Architectural Hardware
Durable, code-compliant hardware such as door closers, hinges, and panic bars ensures safe, smooth operation across high-traffic areas. When integrated with access control, hardware becomes part of a smart security network.
Classroom Locking Solutions
Intruder function locks and quick-locking hardware enable teachers to secure classrooms quickly from the inside, without fumbling for keys or stepping into hallways. These solutions have become best practice in many school districts and are a key element of lockdown protocols. One of the safest places to be in an active shooter situation is behind a locked door. Functioning and easy-to-employ locking solutions are critical in situations where every second counts.
Key Considerations for School Leaders
The breadth of solutions available can be overwhelming. While these solutions have created safer school environments and saved lives, it can be difficult to prioritize what comes first. When designing or upgrading your school’s safety systems, consider the following:
- Layered Security: Combine physical barriers, smart technology, and staff training. School safety is all encompassing, and ever-changing.
- Drill & Training Compatibility: Ensure that any new security technology aligns with emergency plans and regular safety drills.
- Integration: Select systems that work together. Surveillance, access, and alarms should not be siloed. Integrated security and opening solutions create more efficiency and safety.
- Compliance & Privacy: It is imperative to choose solutions that meet ADA and local building codes.
Conclusion
Safety in schools is no longer just about locks and cameras, it’s about creating a secure, responsive environment that allows education to thrive. From modern access control and visitor management to durable, ADA-compliant doors and real-time threat detection, today’s opening solutions are built for the complex needs of school campuses.
If you're ready to take the next step in evaluating or upgrading your school's security, contact our team to learn how we can help you design a layered, scalable solution tailored to your needs.
Please note: Assessment requests are subject to availability based on your location. If your area is outside our current service range, we will follow up to let you know as soon as possible.