School climate is a complex construct consisting of multiple components (Freiberg, 1999). Various aspects include the:

• Quality of interpersonal relations between students and teachers
• Extent to which the school is perceived as a safe and caring place
• Degree to which students, parents, and staff are involved in collaborative decision making
• Degree to which there are high expectations for student learning

A school that has a positive school climate is perceived as welcoming (to students, parents, and staff) and is characterized by respectful interactions between individuals. Students are motivated to achieve, and staff convey the importance of school and learning. The school is clean, well maintained, and inviting. The combination of these characteristics results in the school being perceived as a good place.

Over the years research has documented a variety of ...