Exploring the Characteristics of Well-certified K-12 Schools: A Comprehensive Study on International Cases

With the growing recognition of the importance of health and well-being in the realm of education, there has been increasing interest in designing healthy K–12 schools that prioritize the well-being of students and staff. In this context, the WELL Building Standard has emerged as a leading framework for promoting health and wellness. Despite the WELL Building Standard receiving more attention in the architectural and interior design industry, there is a lack of empirical research on its implementation in the educational sector. The purpose of this study is to analyze the potential benefits and challenges of implementing the WELL standard in K–12 schools and to capture best practices. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, employing both a literature review and a case study approach. Ten previous studies were reviewed, and five K–12 schools that received the highest WELL certifications, including Platinum and Gold, were examined. The literature review has confirmed the effectiveness of WELL in enhancing occupants’ well-being in the context of K–12 schools, as well as the challenges associated with its implementation. Furthermore, the case study has identified the key features of the WELL-certified K–12 schools. These features can serve as examples of best practices for creating healthy and sustainable school designs in the future. This paper’s findings contribute to the development of future K–12 schools by providing designers, architects, educators, and policymakers insights for creating healthier and more sustainable learning environments.