Sandy Spring Friends School has officially been named a Maryland Green School by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE), recognizing the school’s commitment to environmental education, sustainability, and student-led environmental initiatives.
The designation was announced on Earth Day 2026 following a detailed application and review process documenting the school’s environmental curriculum, sustainability programs, and community partnerships.
In announcing the recognition, MAEOE praised the school’s environmental leadership efforts, stating, “This designation is more than an award—it’s a powerful reflection of your entire school community’s commitment to environmental leadership and literacy. Students, staff, and partners have come together to create lasting change, and the impact of your work will be felt for years to come.”
According to the school, the Maryland Green School certification recognizes efforts in environmental curriculum and instruction, student action projects, and community partnerships focused on sustainability and stewardship.
Programs and initiatives highlighted as part of the certification process included a kindergarten honeybee study, a fourth-grade farming and compost curriculum, and sixth-grade water testing projects conducted in Sandy Spring Creek, part of the Anacostia River headwaters located on campus.
Upper School programs also played a role in the recognition, including participation in the DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix, sustainable gardening and food justice intersession programs, and a senior passion project focused on building a student-run weather station on campus.
The school also pointed to its partnership with Malik Family Farm, which brings sheep to campus for solar grazing, as well as the WELL Gold Certified Upper School building, noted as the first high school building in the United States to earn Gold certification under the WELL Building Standard.
Sandy Spring Friends School says it will continue expanding environmental education opportunities and sustainability-focused professional development for teachers moving forward.
