Written By: Brad Campbell | September 3, 2025
As each school year begins, administrators and facility managers revisit their safety plans, looking for ways to better protect students, staff, visitors, and school property.
One of the most effective ways to strengthen a school’s physical security is to upgrade vulnerable glass doors and windows with modern security glazing systems.
Riot Glass offers a full range of school security glazing solutions designed to address a comprehensive selection of threats, from forced entry and active threats to vandalism and even severe weather events.
Schools present unique challenges when it comes to safety. They are open, welcoming environments by design, filled with glass doors, large windows, and transparent façades that promote natural light and community.
Unfortunately, these same features make schools incredibly vulnerable to security threats, including worst-case active threats (active shooters).
Standard annealed glass can be shattered in seconds, giving intruders immediate access. Tempered safety glass offers a little more resistance, but doesn’t stand up to forced entry attempts or ballistic impacts.
The rise in active threat incidents in schools across the U.S. has resulted in a need for “glass hardening” measures, making advanced security glazing a critical investment when it comes to implementing school security solutions.
AP-Series AP25 is Riot Glass’s flagship containment-grade retrofit security glazing, a forced entry-resistant, polycarbonate-based glazing solution ideal for access denial in schools.
Retrofitting vulnerable school windows and doors with AP25 is one of the most effective first steps for schools that need immediate, budget-conscious upgrades.
For schools that want a higher level of protection against firearms, Riot Glass offers ballistic-grade RG-Series and AP-Series glazing.
Both options come in multiple thicknesses and UL 752 ballistic resistance levels, allowing schools to tailor protection to their perceived threat level.
While no glazing is completely “bulletproof,” ballistic-grade Riot Glass dramatically improves survivability by stopping or slowing bullets and preventing intruders from entering quickly.
Ballistic-grade glazing is especially valuable in high-risk areas such as entryways, administrative offices, and classroom doors or windows near main corridors or exterior walkways.
Entry doors are among the most vulnerable access points in schools. Riot Glass offers unbreakable door conversion kits that combine AP-Series ballistic glazing with reinforced framing systems. These conversions transform standard glass doors into forced-entry and bullet-resistant security doors without losing their transparency.
These door kits make ideal upgrades for main school entrances, vestibules, and other high-traffic areas.
| Security Solution | Grade/Series | Protection Type | Retrofit or Replacement | Best Use Cases |
| AP25 | AP-Series | Forced entry-resistant, access denial | Retrofit (over/backglaze) | Classroom doors, windows, cost-effective upgrades |
| Ballistic RG-Series | RG-Series | Bullet-resistant (glass-clad polycarbonate) | Retrofit or replacement | High-risk windows, administrative areas, lobbies |
| Ballistic AP-Series | AP-Series | Bullet-resistant (polycarbonate-based) | Retrofit or replacement | Entry points requiring lightweight ballistic glazing |
| Door Conversion Kits | AP-Series AP75 | Forced entry + ballistic resistance | Full conversion (framing + glazing) | Main entrances, vestibules, high-traffic access points |
When it comes to selecting the best security glazing upgrades for schools, the right choice depends on each school’s unique risks, goals, and budget. Districts should take a layered, multi-step approach to glass hardening:
No. AP25 is containment-grade, meaning it’s designed for forced entry resistance. However, it remains intact even when penetrated by bullets, preventing attackers from creating an opening to gain entry.
RG-Series uses glass-clad polycarbonate for a more traditional look and feel and the highest levels of ballistic resistance, but the outer glass surface can crack and spall upon impact. Ballistic-grade AP-Series glazing is polycarbonate-based, lighter in weight and virtually unbreakable, with no cracking or spalling.
Most Riot Glass solutions can be retrofitted over existing glass, saving money and minimizing disruption. Full replacements are only necessary in certain cases, such as full door conversion kits.
No. Riot Glass school security solutions are designed to blend in seamlessly with existing windows and doors, maintaining natural light and aesthetics.
Timelines vary depending on project size, but retrofit installations are always much faster and less disruptive than full replacements.
Yes. Riot Glass products meet or exceed applicable forced entry and ballistic resistance standards and are increasingly used in districts responding to glass hardening requirements and recommendations.
The role of security glazing in modern school safety and security cannot be overstated. From preventing forced entry and vandalism to buying time in active threat scenarios, Riot Glass solutions provide durable, transparent protection without compromising the learning environment.
Whether retrofitting vulnerable windows with AP25, installing bullet-resistant RG-Series glazing in critical areas, or upgrading entryways with unbreakable door conversion kits, schools can count on Riot Glass when taking proactive steps toward safeguarding their communities and property.
To learn more or to schedule a professional threat assessment, contact Riot Glass today.
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