All 2,383 Edison High students squeeze into hallways designed for far fewer. Freshmen often get pushed into lockers. Couples are locked together to the left, friends are arguing to the right, and backpacks hang near an ocean of heads—it’s almost like a maze.
This is the reality of high school hallways.
Overcrowded hallways create issues for both staff and students, affecting the classroom learning environment and student behavior. With the student body almost double the school’s intended capacity and with limited time to make your way to your next class, navigating these hallways can be a daunting task.
“When the hallways get overpacked, I get overwhelmed by the amount of people, and I become angry out of urgency,” said Jazlyn Cuevas ‘25.
Apart from movement between classes, the hallways of EHS have become a means for social interaction.
“Pushback is really the main issue. Students don’t want to do what they are asked to,” said Edison High School Security Guard Kimianna Neal.
Every student has to learn how to navigate the hallways efficiently while still stopping to wave, talk, and catch up with friends—a social and mental health necessity in the course of a school day. Students see hundreds of different people a day: current friends, past teachers, and future opportunities that can’t be ignored, despite the crowd.
When hallways are full to the brim, navigating the horde can become a hassle, especially for underclassmen. On the bright side, with the appropriate guidance, adjusting to this new but lively school environment becomes much less demanding for such students.
“I try on the first couple of days of school, especially for ninth graders, to ask students if they are going to the far end of the building, like the art room or choir room,” said English and Journalism teacher Diane Frey. “I ask if I can help them find a way to get there the quickest—sometimes, I take the walk with them if they are really struggling,”
Beyond the congestion, the social aspect of the hallways cannot be overlooked. In a less restrictive environment, students can enjoy greater security, reprieve, and a sense of belonging amidst the constant hustle. A quick one-finger wave or a “hello” is one of the few ways that students connect and feel a sense of relief amid the crowded halls and school routine.
“The hallways may be the only time that some students get to catch up with friends and/or teammates. The one thing this school is missing is more common areas where students can have those social interactions,” said Assistant Principal Matthew Zapoticzny.
While renovations create new spaces for students to gather, crowded halls remain a daily reality at EHS. For many students, those few rushed minutes between classes are a defining part of the school experience.
