What is the purpose of breakout and meeting areas in schools?

Breakout and meeting areas give middle and high school students flexible spaces to collaborate, brainstorm, and meet in small or large groups. They can also be used for teacher-student mentoring and informal gatherings.

What furniture is recommended for breakout and meeting spaces?

Essential furniture includes collaborative tables, mobile seating, mobile whiteboards, mobile tech storage, and comfortable soft seating. Power-enabled furnishings are also recommended so students can charge their devices.

Why should furniture in breakout areas be mobile or flexible?

Mobile and flexible furniture allows students and teachers to rearrange spaces quickly for group projects, mentoring sessions, or casual gatherings. This adaptability ensures the space meets a variety of learning and social needs.

How do breakout areas support teachers?

Teachers can use breakout areas for mentoring sessions, small group discussions, and collaborative projects. Flexible layouts let them adapt the space to different activities and student needs.

Breakout & Meeting Areas | School Outfitters

Breakout and Meeting Areas – Middle & High School
Flexibility is the key to a great breakout area. Tables and chairs should be easy to organize into large or small groups in order to help students exchange ideas, and soft seating arrangements keep students comfortable during extra help sessions or mentoring.

Requirements for a Great Breakout and Meeting Area

For students: The breakout and meeting area must allow students to easily arrange themselves into various-sized groups and workspaces that allow all team members to see each other without straining. Soft seating provides comfortable seating during teacher-student meetings.

For teachers: The breakout and meeting areas should accommodate both student groups as well as teacher-student mentoring sessions. Flexible furniture makes it easy to arrange and rearrange the space as needed.

For administrators: The best breakout and meeting space should be furnished with products that achieve the goals for that space. They need to know that everything in their order will be available when needed and delivered on time. Installations must be quick and efficient.

Breakout and Meeting Area Solutions from School Outfitters

School Outfitters' research and development team designed a breakout and meeting area that caters to the needs of students and teachers alike. We've selected a variety of flexible furnishings that accommodate student groups as well as teacher-student sessions. The larger meeting area serves the primary function of this space, and an informal gathering area provides inviting furnishings for smaller groups.

Meeting Area

The meeting area supports students during breakout sessions, project planning or research.

Collaborative tables feature spacious work areas where students can spread out project materials or devices. The table shapes are designed to let all students see each other, giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate.
Mobile seating is easy to move and arrange into groups.
Mobile tech storage can be rolled directly to student work areas to distribute or collect devices. Locking doors and charging ports secure devices overnight.
Mobile whiteboards give students a writing surface for brainstorming or presenting ideas. Rolling casters make it simple to move anywhere in the room.

Informal Gathering Area

An informal gathering area features comfortable, inviting furniture that encourages students to use the space.

Soft seating creates a cozy, comfortable gathering space where students can meet with a club or simply hang out and socialize.
Power-enabled furnishings give students a convenient place to charge their devices.

Choosing your Breakout and Meeting Area Solution

School Outfitters makes it simple to outfit your school's breakout and meeting area. Choose the option that best fits your budget and needs and get an itemized quote with just one click, including all three of our specially-designed solutions. Our helpful sales representatives are happy to answer any questions about our solutions and how you can put them to use in your school. Just give us a call 1-800-260-2776.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of breakout and meeting areas in schools?: Breakout and meeting areas give middle and high school students flexible spaces to collaborate, brainstorm, and meet in small or large groups. They can also be used for teacher-student mentoring and informal gatherings.
What furniture is recommended for breakout and meeting spaces?: Essential furniture includes collaborative tables, mobile seating, mobile whiteboards, mobile tech storage, and comfortable soft seating. Power-enabled furnishings are also recommended so students can charge their devices.
Why should furniture in breakout areas be mobile or flexible?: Mobile and flexible furniture allows students and teachers to rearrange spaces quickly for group projects, mentoring sessions, or casual gatherings. This adaptability ensures the space meets a variety of learning and social needs.
How do breakout areas support teachers?: Teachers can use breakout areas for mentoring sessions, small group discussions, and collaborative projects. Flexible layouts let them adapt the space to different activities and student needs.