Are you ready to go back to school, but this time, for the fun part? Why build a set from scratch when you can have real-life institutions as the location for your creative vision? Whether it's a feature film, a commercial, a photo shoot, or even a private event, Giggster has school locations that are packed with character and incredibly versatile.
From classic chalk-and-blackboard classrooms for workshops to state-of-the-art campuses, public schools, and great halls like the ones you'll see in the famous movie series Harry Potter and the fan favorite High School Musical, Giggster has a diverse selection of school venues to bring your vision to life. You might think that it's expensive and a tricky process to book an education facility, but we've made it budget-friendly and straightforward on the Giggster app.
Browse our listings and find the perfect school setting for your next event or masterpiece. Your ideal spot is just a few clicks away.
An old school built in the 1960s in Queens, New York, that looks like a set of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, an academy theatre for still photos, a modern campus in Los Angeles, California, or a historic venue that will remind you of Harvard University—Giggster has it all. Discover other stunning venues and hidden gems waiting for you.
If your event or project is centered on sports, our Beverly Hills facility features an indoor heated junior Olympic-size swimming pool, an indoor basketball court with large windows, meeting rooms, a hot yoga studio, and locker rooms at your disposal.
You and your crew don't need to move between places with a traditional school with plenty of rooms and outdoor spaces for interior and exterior shots. There's a gym area, offices, classrooms, an auditorium, and more.
Maybe you need a bigger space for a film location or a unique backdrop that commands attention for a grand celebration. A 17-acre campus in LA has countless settings, which include a sports field, an indoor gym with a stage area, volleyball and tennis courts, a modern performing arts center with A/V capabilities, gardens, and picnic areas.
For more creative classes or scenes you want to shoot in a vibrant space, book an enchanting room that's filled with colors, natural light, and has ample space to unleash everyone's creativity.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: The right school location in your city or near your destination is easy to find on Giggster. Browse our 557 inspiring venues, and you'll discover bright classrooms and sleek spaces with reliable Wi-Fi so you can stay online and connected, retro gyms, empty hallways, huge athletic fields, and many more, with rental rates starting at only $30/hour.
Hassle-Free Booking: You can browse listings, check availability, chat directly with the host to iron out details and address concerns, and book your spot—all on the Giggster app. It’s a smooth, transparent process that saves you a ton of time and headaches.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Plans can change in a flash, which is why we give you 24 hours after confirming your booking to cancel and get a full refund, provided the booking was made at least 48 hours before the shoot or event.
Platform Protections: You can add optional liability, cancellation, and accidental damage protection to your booking when you rent a space like Spacious & Beautiful 1930's School Building on Giggster. It gives you peace of mind because you know you have the coverage you need.
Who says schools are only for students or children and their teachers? Look beyond that and you'll realize that it's more than just a place to learn—it's also a versatile space suitable for a wide variety of events and creative pursuits.
Reunions – Back for Fun. There's nothing like a school to bring back memories of your student days. It feels authentic and nostalgic, and you have plenty of spaces to use, such as a gymnasium for a big crowd, a cafeteria to prepare food, and classrooms for a trip down memory lane.
Sporting Events – Game On. School locations for sporting events are a no-brainer. They are literally built for this, with facilities like fields, gyms, and tracks that are already set up for practices and games. Additionally, if you want to plan an event with kids, they may have playgrounds or kid-friendly spaces for the little ones to run around and play.
Graduation Ceremonies – Hello, Real World. A school is a great venue for a graduation ceremony, whether you finished primary school, high school, or college. It's already set up with a stage and tons of seating for the crowd, plus there's room for all the graduates. It just feels right to celebrate all that hard work right there on campus.
Festivals – Fun in Session. Many school venues you'll find on Giggster are spacious, and some even have large fields and parking lots you can use to set up booths, food trucks, and rides. If it rains, the gymnasium located on the property can be your rain-or-shine location for games, performances, and vendor stalls.
Film Productions and Photo Shoots – Unmatched Authenticity and Creativity. Countless schools and real-life institutions have served as a set for numerous films and TV shows over the decades, and for good reason. You don't have to travel to multiple spots because all the backdrops you need are already established, from hallways and lockers to a library and gymnasium. It doesn't feel forced at all.
With 557 interesting venues within and outside the USA, how can you find the one that's perfect for your production project or event? Read on to guide your search and lock in the ideal location that ticks all the right boxes.
What kinds of backdrops are available? Schools offer a variety of backdrops or settings, which is one of their best features, but some may only provide old classrooms that won't match the modern and stylish look you want to capture. Or, they may have historical elements for period pieces or retro style.
Does the school have what you need? Your specific requirements will depend on the nature of your project, the scenes you need to capture, or the type of event. Take note of all the amenities you need and your non-negotiables to help you decide.
How easy is it for people to reach the location? Even if it's a country-style venue or a school in a rural area, it can still work, as long as your cast and crew or guests can get there with ease. You can check the transport options nearby and how far it is from major roads.
There are lots of reasons why it makes sense to book a school location for your event or film/photo shoots, but it's not without its own set of challenges and quirks. That's why it's important to weigh the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Advantages
School facilities are often much more affordable than professional studios or traditional event venues. The stage is set up for your group, and you have a film-ready spot just waiting for the crew. And if used for gatherings, a school is definitely more spacious and unique than your own home.
The desks, tables, chairs, and even AV gear are already there, so you don't have to go to multiple suppliers or vendors to rent party supplies or props.
Most city schools have large parking lots and sports fields that your guests and crew can use for gatherings or production shoots. They may also have lockers, so you don't have to worry about where to store your gear safely.
Disadvantages
Many functioning schools are busy places with students even after school hours. You'll likely be limited to renting during weekends or school holidays, which can be tricky to schedule around, especially if you have a tight schedule.
A school may not have a polished and sophisticated look or high-end features that you often find in dedicated event venues. So if you want that glamorous vibe, you'll have to spend more on transforming the space or look elsewhere.
You might not be the only group renting the school at the same time. This isn't always the case, but you could find yourself sharing a building with another event or a sports team, which could affect privacy and noise levels.
Whether it's a graduation party, a prom, or a video shoot, it's a lot of work to plan any event or production project in a unique location like a school. Stay organized and consider the following tips so that the fun continues, no matter the challenges.
Pick a Date – Schools have certain events and activities throughout the year, so before you decide on a date and time, check their calendar to avoid conflicts. You'll want to avoid big school events or other local community happenings that might pull people away.
Choose the Right Space – Find school locations that are set for your needs, easily accessible, have the right capacity, and fit your budget. It must also have the right vibe and align with your vision.
Assemble Your Crew – Get a team together and delegate tasks because you can't do it all on your own, regardless of how many school events you've pulled off. Give them specific roles to complete the work more efficiently.
Plan the Fun Part – Once the logistics are taken care of, you can focus on making the event enjoyable and exciting for everyone. Brainstorm entertainment, activities, and food options that fit your theme and budget.
You can book a school location on Giggster for as little as $30/hour, and if you want to save more, we have a few money-saving hacks worth considering.
Are you willing to book outside of prime hours?
Like any venue, school locations have a busy season and off-peak periods. Weekday evenings, weekends, or during school holidays are often the most common times, but you might find a better rate during a less popular time or even in the middle of a school day if the space isn't in use. The less a school is using a space, the more open they might be to a deal.
Don't be afraid to negotiate the details.
Tell them what you need and what you don't. For example, if you only want to use the gym space and don't need any of the equipment or locker rooms, see if you can get a discount.
Keep it simple.
The more complex your event, the more it will likely cost. If you can simplify your space needs, you might find a smaller, more affordable option like a classroom instead of a gymnasium or auditorium.
Say goodbye to cookie-cutter locations for your event, or elevate your shoot in an actual location with all the school features and classroom elements. Giggster makes it easier than ever to find and book awesome school locations, where you can create your next masterpiece and lasting memories.
