When it comes to finding the best school lockers for high schools, the choices can seem endless - but not all lockers are created equal. The right locker should be durable, functional, and easy to maintain, while also fitting your school's design and space needs.
At SchoolLockers.com, we've made it simple to choose by offering over 50 different color options and lockers from three of the top manufacturers in the industry - Jorgenson Lockers, Penco Lockers, and Hallowell Lockers. Each manufacturer has unique strengths, from affordability to customization to quick shipping.
In this guide, we'll break down what each brand does best and highlight three of the most popular locker models that high schools across the country consistently choose.
A Look at the Top Locker Manufacturers
Jorgenson Lockers
Jorgenson Lockers are known for their incredible variety of color and configuration options. Schools can select from dozens of standard colors or request a custom paint match to perfectly match school spirit themes or architectural palettes.
These lockers are also among the most affordable on the market while maintaining industrial-grade quality. Jorgenson offers both quick-ship models and fully custom-built lockers for unique layouts or specifications. Whether it's hallway storage or athletic room configurations, Jorgenson's flexibility and price point make them a popular choice among school facility managers.
Penco Lockers
Penco has built its reputation on high-end engineering and specialized lockers. While they do offer traditional hallway lockers, Penco stands out for their specialty lines - including fire department lockers, evidence lockers, and custom solutions for demanding environments.
For schools, Penco lockers shine in settings where customization and precision craftsmanship matter most. They offer an excellent balance of strength, functionality, and sleek appearance.
Hallowell Lockers
If your school needs lockers fast, Hallowell is a great choice. They maintain a strong in-stock locker program that allows for quicker delivery times than most manufacturers.
While Hallowell also provides customization options, those tend to add extra cost compared to Jorgenson. However, for schools under tight timelines or those needing durable lockers immediately, Hallowell's quick-ship models are a perfect fit.
The 3 Best High School Locker Choices
Below are three of the most popular lockers purchased by high schools nationwide. These represent the best balance of cost, durability, and practicality for student use.
#1. 12" x 15" x 78" 2-Tier / 3-Wide Locker (Six Doors)
(The Most Popular Choice for School Hallways)
If you've ever walked through a high school hallway lined with bright metal lockers, you've likely seen this configuration. The 12" wide by 15" deep double-tier locker has become the industry standard for a reason - it's the perfect balance of space efficiency and affordability.
Because these units come in banks of three columns (for a total of six doors), schools save significantly on cost. Instead of needing one dividing panel per locker, a 3-wide bank shares internal walls, cutting down on material use and price.
Each column has two locker doors (top and bottom), so schools can double the number of students accommodated in the same hallway space as a single-tier setup. That's a big win for both space management and budgets.
Why Schools Love This Locker:
- Efficient design: Maximizes storage capacity while minimizing floor space.
- Durable build: 16-gauge metal doors and reinforced frames stand up to years of daily use.
- Secure storage: Two-point latching systems help prevent prying and theft.
- Quiet and clean: Rubber bumpers and nylon glides reduce slamming noise in busy hallways.
- Endless customization: Choose from over 50 colors, two-tone finishes, and optional legs.
Whether used in hallways, gym corridors, or classrooms, this locker is the go-to model for high schools nationwide.
If your layout requires smaller sections, this same locker is also available in single-column configurations - perfect for fitting around doors, corners, or shorter walls.
#2. 15" x 18" x 36" 2-Tier / 3-Wide Locker (Six Doors)
(For Schools That Need Extra Storage Space)
Some high schools need lockers that can handle more than just textbooks and backpacks. For schools where lockers serve both academic and athletic purposes, or where students store sports gear and personal items in one space, this larger configuration is ideal.
These lockers are slightly wider and deeper than standard hallway lockers, making them perfect for basketballs, football pads, gym bags, or art supplies that don't fit easily into narrower compartments.
While they take up more room per bank, schools often install these in athletic corridors or combination locker areas that serve both general and sports needs.
Why Schools Choose This Size:
- Versatile storage: Fits both personal items and athletic equipment.
- Same quality and durability: 16-gauge steel doors, reinforced frames, and strong powder coating.
- Flexible options: Available with or without legs, and can be customized in two-tone color schemes.
- Enhanced comfort: The added depth and width give students more usable interior space.
These lockers offer the same core features as the standard-size model - durable construction, quiet operation, and customizable locks - but with more generous dimensions for schools with multi-purpose storage needs.
If your school separates gym lockers from academic lockers, this model can bridge the gap, providing a universal solution that works in either setting.
#3. Double-Tier Ventilated Lockers (6 Lockers, Each 12" x 15" x 36")
(The Top Pick for Gym and Athletic Locker Rooms)
If your high school separates traditional hallway lockers from athletic lockers, the double-tier ventilated locker is your best choice for gym areas.
These lockers are specifically designed for airflow and visibility. The perforated metal doors allow air to circulate freely, which helps reduce odor build-up from sweaty clothes and gym shoes. The ventilation also allows staff to visually inspect lockers without opening them - a helpful safety feature for schools.
Each bank includes six individual compartments, providing the same space-saving benefits as the solid-door models but optimized for athletic environments.
Why These Stand Out for Gyms:
- Maximum ventilation: Perforated 16-gauge metal doors prevent odor and moisture buildup.
- Heavy-duty construction: Reinforced steel frames and continuous door strikes prevent damage over time.
- Flexible configuration: Available with or without legs and with multiple lock options (padlock, combination, or digital).
- Two-tone color choices: Customize door and frame colors to match school branding.
- Visual safety: Allows partial visibility without compromising security.
Whether for a varsity locker room, PE changing area, or staff fitness center, these ventilated lockers deliver durability, hygiene, and safety in one design.
Assembled vs. Unassembled Lockers: What Schools Should Know
When ordering school lockers, one of the most important decisions you'll make is how they're delivered - assembled or unassembled. Both options have advantages depending on your timeline, space, and installation capabilities.
Assembled Lockers
- Arrive fully built and ready to install.
- Shipped via LTL freight on pallets for protection.
- Ideal for schools that want minimal installation time - simply remove from the pallet, position them, and secure them to the wall / floor.
- Higher shipping costs, but saves time and ensures professional assembly from the start.
Unassembled Lockers
- Ship flat in boxes with all necessary hardware and instructions.
- Lower shipping costs because less air space is shipped.
- Great option if your maintenance staff can handle assembly in-house or if you're ordering in large quantities and want to save on freight.
At SchoolLockers.com, both options are available for nearly every model, so schools can choose what fits best for their logistics and budget.
Why Schools Choose SchoolLockers.com
Beyond just selling lockers, SchoolLockers.com is a trusted national distributor for Jorgenson, Penco, and Hallowell - giving schools access to the full range of products from all three manufacturers in one place.
Our team has decades of experience designing locker layouts and helping facilities get the most from their space. Whether you're building an entire new wing or just replacing an old locker run, we can help plan, design, and quote the perfect setup.
We've completed projects for NBA and NFL locker rooms, city recreation centers, and public and private schools across the U.S. That same expertise is applied to every school project we handle - from small district upgrades to state-of-the-art campus installations.
At SchoolLockers.com, we pride ourselves on:
- Expert layout planning and design assistance
- Access to all major locker brands and configurations
- Fast, nationwide shipping
- Exceptional customer support from start to finish
Whether you're looking for a few replacement lockers or a full facility remodel, our in-house experts are ready to help you create a locker space that's durable, functional, and built to last for decades.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Lockers for Your School
When it comes to the best lockers for high schools, it all depends on your priorities:
- Need affordability, flexibility and fast delivery? Go with Jorgenson Lockers.
- Want specialized or custom-engineered options? Choose Penco.
- Need fast delivery and reliable quality? Hallowell is your match.
And among all the sizes and configurations available, the three models above remain the top choices for most schools - balancing price, function, and long-term durability.
From hallway to gym, your students deserve lockers that look great, function smoothly, and last for years. Explore all our high school locker options at SchoolLockers.com and discover why so many schools trust us as their go-to locker partner.
Frequent Asked Questions
What are the best lockers for high schools?
The best lockers for high schools are durable, metal double-tier lockers that maximize space and provide secure storage for students. Popular choices include 12" x 15" x 78" 2-tier hallway lockers for general use and ventilated double-tier lockers for gym or athletic areas. Brands like Jorgenson, Penco, and Hallowell are trusted by schools nationwide.
Which locker size is most common in high schools?
The most common locker size used in high schools is 12 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and 78 inches high in a 2-tier configuration. This size provides plenty of storage while keeping hallways organized and space-efficient. Larger 15" x 18" models are also common when schools need extra room for sports gear or bulky items.
What is the difference between single-tier and double-tier lockers?
Single-tier lockers offer one tall compartment per column, providing full-height storage for coats or long items. Double-tier lockers divide that same height into two separate compartments, allowing twice as many students to use the same amount of floor space. Most high schools choose double-tier lockers for hallways to maximize efficiency.
Can school lockers be customized with colors and accessories?
Yes! At SchoolLockers.com, lockers can be customized in over 50 colors, and even custom color matching is available for school branding. Options like two-tone finishes, number plates, different lock styles, and optional legs make it easy to create lockers that fit your exact needs and design vision.
Should we order lockers assembled or unassembled?
Assembled lockers arrive fully built on pallets and are ready for installation, saving time during setup. Unassembled lockers ship flat in boxes, reducing freight costs but requiring on-site assembly. Schools with maintenance staff often choose unassembled units to save money, while others prefer assembled lockers for convenience.
How long does it take to get school lockers delivered?
Delivery times depend on the manufacturer and whether the lockers are custom-built or in stock. Hallowell lockers are known for their fast shipping options, while Jorgenson and Penco offer quick-ship and custom configurations. Standard lead times range from 1 to 12 weeks depending on order size and customization.
Do high school lockers need to be anchored to the wall?
Yes. For safety and stability, lockers should always be securely anchored to the wall and floor, especially in hallways and locker rooms. This prevents tipping, ensures alignment, and maintains long-term structural integrity.
What type of locks can be used on school lockers?
Most school lockers support multiple lock options, including built-in combination locks, key locks, combination padlocks, digital locks, and even coin-operated systems. Schools typically choose built-in combination locks for hallways and padlocks for athletic or temporary use lockers.
Do ventilated lockers help reduce odor in gym areas?
Yes. Ventilated lockers feature perforated metal doors that allow air to circulate, helping prevent odor and moisture buildup from athletic gear or wet clothing. They're ideal for gym locker rooms, sports facilities, and PE areas where airflow is important.
Does SchoolLockers.com help with locker layout and design?
Absolutely. SchoolLockers.com has in-house experts who assist with locker layout planning, measurements, and design for schools of all sizes. Whether you're remodeling a hallway or building a new locker room, our team can help you create an efficient, attractive, and safe locker setup.
