On December 18, 2023, an M_S6.2 earthquake occurred in Jishishan County, Gansu Province. A field investigation was conducted immediately on 15 frame structures and 24 masonry structures from nine primary/secondary schools and four educational annexes located at varying seismic intensity zones. Key findings include the following: (1) All 12 severely damaged buildings were single-story masonry structures with steel-wood roof trusses. (2) Most frame structures sustained only minor damage, whereas others exhibited moderate damage. (3) Significant damage to nonstructural components and ancillary structures was observed even in structurally intact buildings, posing risks to the evacuation safety of students and teachers. Based on an on-site investigation, this study systematically summarizes the common seismic damage patterns in educational facilities and identifies the potential safety hazards along evacuation pathways through four key zones: classrooms, corridors, staircases, and outdoor spaces. Consequently, practical recommendations are proposed, including seismic retrofitting of nonstructural components, equipment, and ancillary structures on campus to further enhance the safety and evacuation efficiency of personnel in schools after earthquakes.