Pardes: Aiming to be the ‘Coolest’ School in Phoenix

If you’ve spent even one summer in Phoenix, you know that the desert sun is no joke. With temperatures often soaring above 120 degrees — and sometimes reaching dangerous extremes — the heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s a serious safety concern. For lower school and middle school students, who spend much of their day playing and learning on campus, it’s crucial that we provide an environment that is not only welcoming but also safe and heat-conscious.

At Pardes, we take this responsibility seriously. As climate patterns continue to shift and setting records for high temperatures becomes more frequent in the Phoenix Valley, we’ve made it a priority to upgrade our facilities in ways that protect students, staff, and families from the harsh Arizona sun. 

Why a Heat-Safe Campus Matters

Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very real threats for children, especially in areas like Scottsdale and Phoenix where the UV index and air temperature can peak before lunchtime. Younger children, like those in kindergarten, are particularly vulnerable to overheating because their bodies don’t regulate temperature as efficiently as adults. This is why having a campus equipped to handle these challenges isn’t just about comfort — it’s about student health and well-being.

Beyond physical safety, extreme heat can also affect learning. Studies have shown that high temperatures can reduce student performance and concentration. When kids are hot, dehydrated, or simply uncomfortable, it becomes more difficult for them to focus in the classroom or engage during recess or lunch breaks. That’s why our campus upgrades are designed with both health and learning outcomes in mind.

Cool Improvements: Our New Mister System

This past fall, we proudly completed the installation of a high-efficiency mister system in key areas across campus — including several of our common areas that are utilized during recess and lunch hours. On a triple-digit day, even a drop of 10–15 degrees can make a huge difference.

Already, we’ve seen a positive impact. Students in both lower school and middle school are more energized and less fatigued, and our staff has noticed improved focus and mood when they return to the classroom. The mister system also helps us extend the use of our outdoor spaces further into the warmer months, allowing students to move, socialize, and enjoy fresh air without overheating. It’s a small change with a big effect — and one more way we’re working to create a safer, more enjoyable learning environment for every child on campus.

Fundraising for a Shade Cover Over Our Basketball Court

As part of a long-term safety initiative, we’re currently raising funds for a large, permanent shade structure to cover our outdoor basketball court. This area is one of the most beloved spaces on campus, used daily by both our lower school and middle school students for PE classes, after-school sports, and free play. We have also used this space for assemblies and events that include our extended community of parents, siblings, and grandparents. But without adequate shade, the basketball court becomes unusable during large parts of the school year due to dangerously hot surfaces and direct sun exposure.

The new shade structure will be made from durable, UV-blocking material and designed to significantly reduce ground temperatures while still allowing for airflow and visibility. Not only will this make recess and physical education safer, but it also gives us the opportunity to use the court space for other outdoor events.

We’re inviting the community to support this initiative through donations. Every contribution helps bring us closer to turning this vision into a reality!

Creating a Comfortable Indoor Dining Space

When temperatures soar past 105–110 degrees, even shaded outdoor spaces can become unsafe for lunchtime activities. That’s why we’re also working to retrofit our multipurpose room to accommodate indoor dining services. This flexible space will allow us to bring students inside during the hottest months of the year, ensuring they have a cool, comfortable place to enjoy their meals without rushing or overheating.

We’re currently in the planning phase of this retrofit, which includes installing a new lunch counter and redesigning the layout to accommodate larger groups of students during lunch hours. Not only will this help during extreme heat events, but it also prepares us for potential air quality alerts and monsoon season weather disruptions.

A Community Effort

These upgrades are part of a broader vision to make Pardes a model for what a 21st-century campus in the Phoenix Valley can look like. We believe that every student deserves a safe place to learn and grow, no matter the climate challenges we face. But we can’t do it alone — it takes all of us.

Whether you’re a parent, neighbor, alumni, or local business owner, your support makes a huge difference. Please consider donating to our Annual Fund and help us build a safer, smarter school for every child who walks through our doors!