When it comes to updating the way a school looks, it’s great to have a few easy school beautification ideas that won’t break the bank. Oftentimes, schools do always have the funding to upscale its appearance and that’s where these ideas come in handy. Keep reading for ways you can use student art to give your school a much needed pick-me-up.

3 Easy School Beautification Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Schoolhouses all over the country have been in a funk since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020. If your school is in need of a pick-me-up after the school closings, here are some fresh ideas.

1. Birdhouses

These were donated by some of our high school seniors who were working on a project. They came in one afternoon and let a group of kids paint them. We attached them to the wooden panel to avoid attaching them directly to the building.

There are a lot of creative ways you can install birdhouses at a school, though. The easiest way is to nail it to a tree. I recommend using acrylic craft paint on these. It holds up fairly well outdoors. Plus, it is inexpensive, doesn't take much to cover the wood, and can be touched up easily.

Ask around for birdhouses that can be donated. One time, a local craft store donated some for us to use in a silent auction fundraiser. Another time, we had several students’ grandfathers get together and build a few for us.

2. Painted Pavers

If you have any concrete or brick pavers already installed around campus, see if you can paint them to add a splash of cover. If you have the purchase the pavers, the project will get more expensive. But, if you already have some, just get some sample-sized exterior paint in a handful of colors.

Students can go outside and paint them. I recommend doing this with an art club or a group of students where you can easily communicate with their parents. Exterior paint does not wash out of anything ever. So, you'll want to give them a heads up about their shoes and clothing.

The pavers in this photo are part of a long pathway laid out like a brick road. However, you could get some round or square pavers that won't touch when installed as well.

3. Wooden Wall Panels

Go to the hardware store or lumber yard (or any place you can buy wood) and get a couple of 2x4 cut into strips. You might even be able to get them to donate it to your school if you're only asking for one or two pieces. I have obtained wood like this by posting on my social media that I needed a couple of pieces.

People remodeling their homes or businesses that do this type of work will sometimes be glad to donate leftovers or old pieces to a school. I like craft acrylic for this project as well. It will last FOREVER if you hang it on the wall indoors.

You can paint whatever you want on these, but we had a large empty wall one year that just needed some color. So, we painted these with dots and stripes. Dots and stripes are great non-objective, kid-friendly motifs to use in a school.

Why School Beautification Matters

School beautification isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an environment that inspires learning, fosters pride, and strengthens the school community. Engaging students in projects like these promotes collaboration and gives them a sense of ownership in their school. Whether it's painting birdhouses or creating colorful pavers, these projects encourage creativity and bring lasting value to your school’s appearance.

Looking for more school beautification ideas? Think about incorporating murals, student-designed banners, or garden installations. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that they can be tailored to your school’s unique needs and resources.

Final Thoughts

These school beautification ideas are simple yet effective ways to breathe new life into your campus. By involving students, staff, and the community, you can create meaningful projects that not only enhance the look of your school but also foster a stronger sense of connection and pride.

Remember, school beautification doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Whether you choose to install birdhouses, paint pavers, or create wooden wall panels, the key is to keep it fun and collaborative. If you’ve tried other school beautification ideas, I’d love to hear about them—feel free to email me or share them in the comments!