WALDORF, Md. — Three Charles County Public Schools earned the Maryland Green Schools designation in 2025, while six others achieved Sustainable Schools status, recognizing their commitment to environmental education and sustainability. The Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (MAEOE) awarded Berry Elementary School, Henry E. Lackey High School, and Thomas Stone High School the Green Schools certification. Meanwhile, Gale-Bailey Elementary School received Sustainable Bronze status, and five other schools were named Sustainable Schools.
The Maryland Green Schools program, administered by MAEOE, honors schools that connect students with nature and foster environmental stewardship, according to the organization’s website. Schools focus on areas such as energy conservation, habitat restoration, recycling, waste reduction, and healthy school activities. “Outdoor learning supports interdisciplinary curriculum standards and student engagement,” Laura Johnson Collard, executive director of MAEOE, wrote in a news release. “School greening efforts support school district climate and sustainability goals.”
Berry Elementary, Lackey High, and Thomas Stone High joined 654 recognized Green Schools across Maryland as of 2024. The designation requires schools to demonstrate consistent environmental initiatives and is renewed every four years. Schools applying four times earn Sustainable status, while those applying five times achieve Sustainable Bronze status. Gale-Bailey Elementary, which first applied in 2000, secured the bronze designation this year.
Five additional Charles County schools earned Sustainable status: Dr. James Craik Elementary, Arthur Middleton Elementary, J.C. Parks Elementary, Piccowaxen Middle School, and Westlake High School. These schools have maintained their commitment to environmental practices over multiple application cycles, showcasing long-term dedication to sustainability.
Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has seen growing participation in the program, with 16 schools involved in 2024, a 12% increase from 2023. The district’s efforts align with broader goals to integrate environmental education into the curriculum and promote sustainable practices. The Green Schools program encourages students to engage in hands-on learning, such as restoring local habitats or implementing recycling initiatives, which supports both educational and environmental objectives.
Maryland’s Green Schools network also includes 36 Green Centers, which serve as hubs for environmental education. The program’s growth reflects a statewide push to prioritize sustainability in schools, with Charles County playing a significant role. The recognized schools in the district have implemented projects that range from energy-saving measures to outdoor classrooms, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among students and staff.
The MAEOE’s rigorous evaluation process ensures that schools meet specific criteria, including student-led projects and community involvement. For example, schools may organize waste reduction campaigns or partner with local organizations to restore natural habitats. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also enhance student learning by connecting academic concepts to real-world applications.
Charles County’s recognized schools join a prestigious group of institutions dedicated to environmental stewardship. The district’s participation in the program underscores its commitment to preparing students to address climate challenges and contribute to a sustainable future. As more schools engage in the initiative, Charles County continues to strengthen its role as a leader in environmental education in Maryland.
