Program
Education K-12 M.A.
Number of Pages
56
Year Approved
2026
First Advisor
Lisa Silmser
Second Reader
Amie Grubidge
Abstract
This literature review explores the relationship between school climate and student achievement by examining research from education, psychology, and school improvement literature. School climate encompasses many aspects of the educational environment, including perceptions of safety, the quality of relationships among students and staff, levels of engagement, and students’ sense of belonging within the school community. The review investigates how these factors contribute to academic success and influence students’ overall educational experiences. Findings across the literature consistently demonstrate that positive school climates are associated with higher levels of student achievement, stronger engagement, improved attendance, and greater social-emotional well-being. The review also examines the role of social-emotional learning, whole-child approaches, and school-wide support systems in fostering environments where students can thrive. Collectively, the research points toward a clear conclusion: the conditions students experience at school play a significant role in shaping their academic outcomes and overall success.
Degree Name
Education K-12 M.A.
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Schiro, T. L. (2026). The Impact of School Climate on Student Achievement [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1285
Terms of Use and License Information
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.