MCPS has shared that 12 additional schools have earned the prestigious 2025 Maryland Green Schools designation, bringing the district’s total to 113 certified Green Schools.
This achievement means that 53 percent of MCPS schools now hold this recognition, exceeding the 50 percent target set by Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan. It is a testament to MCPS’s proactive commitment and the dedicated efforts of its schools to foster environmental literacy and promote sustainable practices.
The newly certified schools are Bayard Rustin, Brookhaven, Cannon Road, Cresthaven, Viers Mill, Washington Grove, Watkins Mill, and Woodlin elementary schools; Hallie Wells and Lakelands Park middle schools; and Seneca Valley and Walter Johnson high schools.
Additionally, four existing Green Schools were successfully recertified this year — Bradley Hills, Gaithersburg, and Summit Hall elementary schools, along with Thomas S. Wootton High School. Notably, Gaithersburg and Summit Hall elementary schools have maintained their Green School certification for 12 consecutive years, earning them the distinguished “sustainable school” status. Read more.
The Maryland Green Schools Program challenges schools to develop a comprehensive portfolio that demonstrates excellence across four key areas, with a central focus on integrating environmental education throughout the school year at all grade levels. This year’s newly certified and recertified schools have met these rigorous standards, providing clear evidence of a districtwide commitment to environmental literacy and active student engagement.
MCPS’s dedication is further highlighted by the recognition of the Division of Sustainability and Compliance and the Outdoor Environmental and Education Programs (OEEP) as certified Maryland Green Centers. The Maryland Green Center Award celebrates MCPS’s strong support for the program and its work in guiding schools to implement effective environmental initiatives. Special thanks are extended to Nature Forward (formerly Audubon Naturalist Society) and Montgomery Parks for assisting several schools through the certification process.
A statewide celebration will be held on May 29 at the Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit at Sandy Point State Park, where staff from the MCPS Outdoor Environmental Education Programs and the Division of Sustainability and Compliance will be in attendance.