PERCEIVED IMPACT OF SCHOOL CLIMATE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ONITSHA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE

This study examined impact of school climate on academic performance of secondary school students of Onitsha North Local Government Area. The study assessed school climate factors and the level of psychological impact they have on learners. The population of the study was 25,350. The sample of 208 respondents comprising principals, teachers, and students selected from the population through purposive sampling technique was used for the study. The questionnaire used for data collection was structured on a 4-point response scale with mean scores of 2.50 and above as acceptable level. The questionnaire was validated in face and content by experts in Educational Administration. The reliability of this instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient which yielded a coefficient of 0.924. The data collected were analysed using mean scores for the two research questions raised and One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for the two null hypotheses formulated and tested at 0.05 significant level. Results indicate that, school climate can be improved for better academic performance by maintaining a manageable student-teacher ratio in the classroom; fundamental moral values is promoted; prevention of acts of bullying and when students are treated fairly amongst others. The following recommendations were made: the managers of secondary schools should increase school safety by adopting violence-prevention and conflict resolution programmes; school administrator should maintain a manageable student-teacher ratio in the school amongst others.