Educational institutions significantly contribute to public-sector energy consumption, particularly in developing regions where uniform designs lack climate-responsive adjustments. This study evaluates the climate adaptability of a school design in Iraqi Kurdistan by assessing thermal comfort, energy performance, indoor air quality, economic implications, and retrofitting effectiveness across two distinct Ko & uml;ppen climate zones: Erbil (BSk - cold semi-arid) and Choman (Csa -temperate). The simulation framework builds on a systematic review of indoor environmental quality performance objectives for classrooms, along with field assessments of identical school buildings in both climate zones BSk and Csa, which together informed the scenario definitions and performance benchmarks used in this analysis. Utilizing (IDA ICE 5.1.1.1) dynamic simulation, six operational scenarios were examined for a standardized school building (3,712.6 m2), ranging from baseline conditions to advanced retrofit strategies that incorporate envelope improvements, mechanical systems, and adaptive control algorithms. It should be noted that the Choman simulation relies on a custom-built climate file (ERA5-based) with solarradiation uncertainties below 8%; consequently, Choman results should be interpreted primarily as relative scenario comparisons rather than absolute energy benchmarks. Results revealed the baseline building's energy consumption was 126.1 kWh/m2 in Erbil and 141.7 kWh/m2 in Choman. The optimal retrofit strategy, combining envelope retrofitting (reducing the U-value from 1.428 to 0.357 W/(m2 & sdot;K)) with intelligent adaptive controls, resulted in energy savings of 34% in Erbil and 39% in Choman, alongside a reduction in CO2 emissions of 37-45% and annual operating cost decreases of approximately 14,000-22,000 USD/ school. Conversely, incorporating air conditioning without envelope enhancements led to a significant increase in energy consumption by 62-79%, underscoring the vital importance of comprehensive retrofit approaches. This research provides evidence-based guidance for the planning of educational facilities in Kurdistan and similar developing regions.