The school year is already in full swing, and according to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 50.8 million students are attending a public school in grades K-12 this semester. That’s the highest number ever recorded for public schools! Also, total public elementary and secondary enrollment is projected to increase between fall 2019 and fall 2028 to 51.4 million. This puts school administrators in a position where they’ll have to compensate for these increased student populations.

While newer campus developments are created to accommodate this trend, older campuses may need to make use of temporary modular space to accommodate for these fluctuating student populations – and potentially to hold them over while permanent construction takes place.

Schools need not panic when they see enrollment numbers grow when the budgets don’t. In this article, we aim to help school administrators through the process of buying or leasing a portable classroom from Aries Buildings.

Are Portable Classrooms Customizable?

Modular buildings are customizable and can come equipped with restrooms and fire alarms, and when delivered can be connected to water, sewer, and power. Nationwide suppliers like Aries are well-experienced in customizing code requirements to both a state and national level regardless of the type of project.

Why stop at a classroom? Modular educational buildings from Aries can include mobile administrative offices, portable restrooms, classroom trailers, mobile locker rooms, science labs, libraries, pre-schools, assembly, modular cafeterias, and more.

How Much are Portable Classrooms to Buy or Rent?

An average-sized portable classroom that accommodates twenty students and a teacher typically goes for $600 per month to rent and anywhere from $18,000-$65,000 to purchase. You should consider purchasing a modular unit when it would make the best sense when you know it will be in use for several years. Buying a portable classroom is like a real estate purchase in some respects – if you pay rent for too long, you might have been better off buying in the first place.

However, renting is often the more pertinent option for school districts. Modular building suppliers provide a wide variety of finance options for modular buildings, from operating leases and finance leases (lease-to-own) to short-term and long-term financing programs.

What about buying used?

Purchasing a used portable classroom can be far more affordable when compared to renting a new unit. Suppliers like Aries have used modular buildings in stock that are in very good condition – and prices will be lower than a new model. Always ask about in-stock used buildings have a look at the classroom before you buy or rent!

Because schools often have a narrow construction window and a demand to decrease disruption, taking advantage of a pre-existing modular unit makes sense.

What can cause costs to vary?

Style decisions when it comes to the exterior and interior finishes, amenities, etc.

Are modular buildings less safe?

Build-wise, our and every modular building is under stringent codes and regulations, so you’ll never have to worry about the quality and safety of a building from a professional modular facility.

But beyond that, in times of crisis or natural disaster, modular classrooms are often safer because of the better ability to control the environment and methods of entry for students & faculty.

Aries Building Systems offers a multitude of education building solutions for school districts – from temporary portable classrooms to permanent, multi-unit campuses, let Aries bring your temporary educational facility to the next level of innovation. Our award-winning team of experienced professionals will design floor plans and structural accommodations that will meet all your relocatable education needs.