Open-Air Schools

Abstract

Open-air schools were initiated in 1908 and maintained through the 1930s to treat children with tuberculosis while meeting their educational needs. During this period, treatment of tuberculosis was accomplished in sanitoriums where patients, both adults and children, were isolated and exposed to fresh air and rest. Isolating and institutionalizing children made it difficult for them to obtain schooling. The open-air schools were seen as a method of educating children with tuberculosis while treating them with fresh air, rest, and nutritious food. Although early reports of the effects of open-air schools were positive, student outcome studies reported conflicting results. Some student health outcomes improved, but reports of academic outcomes were inconsistent, leading to their closure between 1938 and 1941. Nursing roles were limited, but nurses were well prepared to participate in the open-air schools by providing health education, maintaining health records, monitoring student health outcomes, and coordinating the services provided to the students. Nurses can learn from our history and hopefully avoid the missed opportunities of yesteryear.