Windows not only let in light and air but can also let in thieves if their design and placement is not carefully considered.
Clerestory windows allow for ventilation and privacy while minimizing wall penetrations, but also allow only a minimum of natural daylight.
A combination of glass block and clerestory windows can provide ventilation and greater daylighting than clerestories, without compromising security.
Larger window assemblies divided into small (10"12") panes allow natural daylighting and ventilation and make it difficult for after hours forced entry, and the subsequent removal of school property. These windows must be designed to accommodate a second means of egress as required by 6A2.051(1).
Narrow windows around doors, or sidelites, increase safety by allowing a person to see what is on the other side of the door and allow teachers to keep an eye on
activity in adjacent circulation spaces. However, sidelites made of (tempered) glass should only be used when the door hardware would prevent someone reaching through a broken side window to open the door. Where fire safety requirements limit the choice of hardware, wire glass in steel frames shall be used for sidelites as per 6A2.050(6).
If operable transoms windows are used over exterior doors, they should be lockable to prevent break-ins.