Because not all dividers are created equal
Why Classroom Dividers Matter: The Sound of Learning
Before we discuss materials, budgets or aesthetics, let’s talk about sound.
Studies have shown that excessive noise in classrooms can significantly hinder student performance. High noise levels impact comprehension, focus and memory retention, especially for younger students, students with learning differences, and non-native English speakers. The World Health Organization that ambient noise levels in classrooms stay below 35 decibels. Yet in many learning spaces, particularly open-plan or retrofitted classrooms, levels frequently exceed this threshold.
This is not just background noise. It’s an environmental barrier to learning. Poor acoustics contribute to lower test scores, increased fatigue and reduced engagement. The right classroom dividers can help control sound, support flexible learning layouts and create zones that promote concentration and collaboration.
Not All Dividers Are Created Equal
Selecting classroom dividers is not about choosing the most affordable or fastest-shipping option. It’s about identifying products that support your curriculum, your students, and your values.
This guide is designed to help educators and administrators evaluate dividers based on four key criteria: durability, sustainability, acoustic performance and long-term adaptability.
Recommended products for this Application
[products ids="nomad-system-felt-acoustic-room-dividers, shift-walls-room-dividers"]
Types of Classroom Dividers: From Temporary Tools to Long-Term Solutions
Mobile Dividers
Mobile dividers are typically mounted on casters for easy repositioning throughout the day. They’re ideal for dynamic learning environments where spatial needs shift quickly.
Best for: Shared spaces, libraries, temporary zones
Strengths: Quick to deploy, compact when stored
Limitations: Many offer little to no sound absorption unless designed with acoustic materials
→ MIO’s Shift Walls combine the mobility educators need with the sound control students deserve. These are built with aluminum frames and acoustic felt surfaces made from recycled plastic bottles.
Modular Panel Systems
Modular divider systems allow for semi-permanent configurations that evolve with your classroom or building. These systems are designed to be scalable, tool free and durable.
Best for: Resource rooms, project-based learning studios, multi-grade spaces
Strengths: High acoustic performance, customizable layouts, long-term flexibility
Limitations: May require initial planning for optimal configuration
→ Our Nomad System Felt is a modular acoustic divider system that balances function and form. Made from recycled PET felt, it offers sound dampening, visual privacy and adaptability with no tools required.
Foldable or Collapsible Dividers
Designed for occasional use, these products are lightweight and easy to store. While useful for quick separation, they often lack the durability or acoustic value needed for everyday educational environments.
Best for: Temporary testing setups, pop-up stations
Strengths: Portable, cost effective
Limitations: Minimal sound control, limited lifespan
→ For schools seeking long-term solutions with acoustic and ecological benefits, we recommend investing in modular systems built from responsible materials.
Understanding NRC in Classrooms: What Does Good Sound Performance Look Like?
NRC or Noise Reduction Coefficient, is the standard measure for how well a material absorbs sound. The scale runs from 0.0 (no absorption) to 1.0 (maximum absorption). In learning environments, an NRC of 0.65 or higher is recommended to reduce reverberation and increase speech intelligibility.
Unfortunately, many budget dividers have NRC values under 0.30, or don’t provide acoustic data at all. This means they offer little more than visual separation.
→ MIO’s Nomad System Felt panels offer NRC values between 0.65 and 0.85, providing real sound control in real-world learning spaces.
Need help figuring out what your classrooms need?
We offer acoustic consultations to help determine product selection and placement based on room size, surfaces, and student use patterns.
Placement Strategy: Where and How Dividers Work Best
How you place dividers matters as much as what you purchase. Strategic placement improves both acoustic performance and student engagement.
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For breakout spaces, create semi-enclosed nooks that reduce echo and visual distraction.
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For project areas, arrange panels around zones with high interaction or tools to reduce equipment noise.
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Near hard surfaces, use felt-based systems to absorb and deflect sound away from key listening areas.
MIO dividers are modular, lightweight and designed to adapt to the flow of your curriculum, supporting intentional and inspiring learning layouts.
Curriculum Aligned Use Cases
Every school environment is different. We design dividers that serve real curriculum needs.
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STEM Classrooms: Require durable, sound absorbent systems that reduce equipment noise and support collaboration. Nomad System Felt is ideal for these environments: configurable, sound absorbing and made from recycled materials.
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Reading Zones & Language Labs: Quiet corners matter. Shift Walls clad in acoustic tiles create focused micro-environments without permanent construction.
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Art & Makerspaces: Flexibility is key. Our modular systems can evolve with your programming and even double as display surfaces for student work.
Design and Sustainability Are Not Afterthoughts
A divider’s appearance influences how students engage with it. MIO products are designed to enhance learning environments visually, functionally and ethically.
Sustainability is not a feature we add, it’s embedded in every design decision we make.
From the materials we select to how products are manufactured, shipped and ultimately reused or recycled, sustainability is part of how our tools work. It’s how we deliver on both environmental and educational responsibility.
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Recycled and recyclable materials
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Made in the USA
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Low-VOC finishes
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Modular construction for maintenance and repair
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Tool free assembly and reconfiguration
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Take back programs for reuse and recycling
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Made-to-order
We design classroom tools that are as beautiful as they are responsible, so you never have to compromise between values and performance.
The Case for Modularity: Planning for the Classroom of the Future
Curriculums change. Class sizes shift. Needs evolve. The static, one-size-fits-all classroom is a thing of the past.
MIO dividers are built for change. Our modular approach means parts can be added, rearranged or replaced without sending an entire wall to landfill.
Modularity supports:
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Maintenance: Replace parts instead of entire systems
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Adaptability: Reconfigure layouts without new infrastructure
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Equity: Scale solutions across campuses with different needs
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Circularity: Reduce waste and extend product life
Request a Sample or Trade pricing
Choosing the right classroom dividers is an investment in your students' learning, your educators’ well-being and your school’s future flexibility.
Let us help you evaluate your space and find the right solutions.
Request a sample or trade pricing today.
