More Than Half of MCPS Schools Now Certified Maryland Green Schools

MCPS continues its impressive leadership in environmental education and stewardship, with 10 additional schools earning the prestigious 2026 Maryland Green Schools designation, bringing the district's total to an impressive 123 certified Green Schools. This remarkable achievement signifies that 58 percent of all MCPS schools have now attained this recognition, surpassing the 50 percent target set by Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan. This success underscores MCPS' proactive commitment and the dedicated efforts of our schools in cultivating environmental literacy and promoting sustainable practices.

The newly recognized schools include the following elementary schools: Bel Pre, Burtonsville, Clopper Mill, Oak View, Dr. Sally K. Ride, Stonegate, Twinbrook and Waters Landing. Paint Branch and Watkins Mill high schools have also achieved this honor. 

Twenty-four existing Green Schools successfully recertified this year, demonstrating a deep and ongoing commitment to environmental literacy and sustainability. Notably, of the 24 recertifying schools, several have reached an exceptional milestone for maintaining their Maryland Green Schools (MDGS) certification; nine schools have achieved the "Sustainable School" status for maintaining certification for over 12 years. Six schools have achieved the distinguished “Sustainable Bronze” status for maintaining certification for more than 16 years. John Poole Middle School and Westbrook Elementary School are the first MCPS schools to reach “Sustainable Silver” status — 23 years for John Poole (since 2003) and 26 years for Westbrook (since 2000).

The rigorous MDGS requires schools to develop a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating their fulfillment of criteria across four key areas. A central requirement is the integration of environmental education throughout the school year, across all grade levels. Each of this year's newly certified and recertified schools met this high standard, providing compelling evidence of a schoolwide focus on environmental literacy and student engagement in environmental initiatives.

The two MCPS Green Centers, the Sustainability and Compliance Team, and the Outdoor Environmental and Education Programs (OEEP) supported these schools by providing resources, training, and assistance in the certification. Special thanks to Nature Forward and Montgomery Parks for helping several schools with the certification process.

A statewide celebration of these achievements will take place on May 28 at the Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit at Sandy Point State Park, with representatives from OEEP and the Sustainability and Compliance Team.

Visit Maryland Green Schools to learn more.