State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 20 schools, 14 school districts, and two county offices of education earned 2024 California Green Ribbon Schools awards. Among these state honorees are five “Green Achievers” nominated by Thurmond to receive U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition. The U.S. Department of Education today confirmed all five Green Achievers as ED-GRS honorees, which are recognized for conserving resources while promoting health and environmental literacy. California’s honorees are among 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions, and one early learning center being honored nationally.

“Allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s distinguished honorees,” Thurmond said. “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. 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. It brings me immense satisfaction to note that more than half of these commendable honorees hail from communities with the greatest need within our state. California’s Green Ribbon Schools are at the forefront of nurturing the next generation’s capacity for creativity and critical thinking, thereby equipping them to become effective stewards of our environment both today and in the years to come.”

Source: 2024 CA Green Ribbon Schools Award Honorees – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)