School Security: Smarter Locking Strategies Start with the Right Questions

At Midwest Door & Hardware, we’re often asked for recommendations on how to secure school facilities. Our response? Let’s start a conversation—with your leadership, your security team, and when possible, a certified Physical Security Professional (PSP) from ASIS International.

We’ve compiled insights from our industry partners and trusted sources to help guide early-stage planning. The goal: implement security strategies that protect students and staff without compromising life safety, accessibility, or operational flexibility.

Locking Solutions to Consider 

Classroom Security Locks 

These mechanical locks allow staff to lock the hallway side of the door from inside the room, while still allowing free egress. They’re code-compliant and now considered best practice by many districts.

Access Control Systems 

Maintaining locked perimeters and controlling entry points with remote access, cameras, and intercoms can prevent unauthorized access and enable facility-wide lockdown protocols when needed.

Remote Lockdown Hardware 

Locksets integrated with networked lockdown capabilities can help secure select doors quickly in emergency scenarios. These solutions vary greatly in complexity and investment, depending on scale.

What the Experts Say 

We recommend the following industry resources for school safety planning:

• Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) – Security guidelines and planning toolkits for K-12 facilities
• Secure Schools Alliance (SSA) – Advocacy and best practices from national experts
• Door Security & Safety Foundation – Lock Don’t Block – Advocacy site focused on code-compliant solutions
• I Dig Hardware – Articles by Lori Greene on classroom security and hardware code compliance
• Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) – Fire/life safety standards and guidance for commercial hardware

“The safest door is one that balances access, accountability, and free egress.” — Industry best practice guidance from our security and life safety partners

Start With a Conversation 

As a trusted local provider, MDH can help review hardware schedules, provide product recommendations, and coordinate with your design team. We’re not here to make decisions for you—but to support your facility in making informed ones.

Credit: This article incorporates information and recommendations from Midwest Door & Hardware’s industry partners, including ASSA ABLOY, I Dig Hardware, BHMA, PASS, and the Door Security & Safety Foundation.