Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad was among five California educational institutions named Friday as U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School honorees.
The recognition honors schools or districts “for conserving resources while promoting health and environmental literacy.”
Five honorees were chosen in California, ranking among 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions and one early learning center across the country.
“This year’s U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools are leading school transformation in states that will help ensure all students in all communities have the opportunity to grow to become strong and healthy learners,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “This year’s awardees range from early learning centers to postsecondary institutions.
“Notably, half are located in under-resourced communities. These awards represent thousands of students, and countless hours of hard work in schools and on college campuses, ensuring equitable access to healthy, climate- resilient learning environments where students are prepared for the sustainability challenges of the present and future.”
In conjunction with the federal announcement, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction announced that 20 schools, 14 school districts and two county offices of education had been recognized with 2024 California Green Ribbon Schools honors.
“California Green Ribbon Schools stand as beacons of innovation that showcase pioneering approaches toward enhanced indoor air quality, the implementation of outdoor classrooms, and comprehensive environmental education initiatives,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said in a statement. “Within these institutions, students are not merely recipients of knowledge; they are active participants in addressing pressing global issues, such as climate change, alongside tackling local challenges like water quality, food security, energy conservation, waste management, and emotional well- being.”
Southern California institutions receiving the California honors were:
Public schools
— Trabuco Elementary, Saddleback Unified, Orange County (Green Achiever)
— Bella Mente Montessori Academy, Vista Unified, San Diego County (Silver)
— Community Roots Academy, Capistrano Unified, Orange County (Silver)
— Gretchen Whitney High, ABC Unified, Los Angeles County (Silver)
— Magnolia High, Anaheim Union High, Orange County (Silver)
— Raymond Temple Elementary, Centralia Elementary, Orange County (Silver)
— Temecula Luiseño Elementary, Temecula Valley Union, Riverside County (Silver)
— Walnut High, Walnut Valley Unified, Los Angeles County (Silver)
— 24th Street Elementary, Los Angeles Unified, Los Angeles County (Bronze)
— Longfellow Elementary, Compton Unified, Los Angeles County (Bronze)
— Santiago Charter Middle, Orange Unified, Orange County (Bronze)
Local Educational Agencies
— Claremont Unified School District, Los Angeles County (Green Achiever)
— Laguna Beach Unified School District, Orange County (Gold)
— National School District, San Diego County (Silver)
— Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, Los Angeles County (Bronze)
Private School
— Pacific Ridge School, San Diego County (Green Achiever)
— City News Service