From Roots to Results: Exploring the Links between Green Space, Students Well Being, and Academic Performance

The integration of green spaces in educational environments has garnered increasing attention for its potential to enhance student well-being and academic outcomes. This study explores the multifaceted relationship between access to green spaces and its impact on students’ psychological health and academic performance, particularly within urban school settings. The importance of this research lies in addressing the growing concern over student stress, declining mental health, and academic disengagement, which are exacerbated by limited exposure to natural environments in densely built environments. Despite a growing body of literature linking nature exposure with cognitive and emotional benefits, a significant research gap remains in understanding the specific mechanisms and contextual factors through which green spaces influence student outcomes. Particularly, few studies focus on schools in under-resourced or high-density urban areas, where access to quality green spaces is limited. The primary objective of this research is to investigate how the presence, quality, and accessibility of green spaces within and around school campuses influence students’ mental well-being and academic achievement. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data from standardized academic performance records and well-being surveys with qualitative insights from student focus groups and school staff interviews across multiple urban schools. Key findings reveal that students attending schools with higher-quality green infrastructure report lower levels of stress, greater emotional resilience, and improved concentration. These benefits are more pronounced in younger students and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between green space exposure and improved academic scores in language and mathematics. The implications of these findings are significant for urban planning and educational policy. By investing in green schoolyards and integrating natural elements into school design, stakeholders can foster more equitable, supportive learning environments that promote both well-being and academic success.