May 1, 2025
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) continues to set the standard for environmental education in Maryland, with 27 schools recently renewing their award through the Maryland Green Schools program and five schools earning the award for the first time. With this milestone, the district now boasts a total of 154 MD Green Schools – the highest number in the state.
"Maintaining Prince George’s County’s leadership in the Maryland Green School program is a true team effort, driven by the dedication of both our students and staff," said Superintendent Millard House II. "This recognition aligns with the priorities of our nationally-recognized Climate Change Action Plan and reflects our continued commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility across our schools."
The William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center, home to the district’s environmental education program, continues to play a pivotal role in helping schools earn and maintain MD Green School status. In 2024, the Center received Maryland Green Center Sustainable Bronze status for maintaining certification for 18 consecutive years.
"PGCPS continues to be a leader across Maryland in supporting sustainable actions and culture in schools," said James Roberson, Instructional Specialist for Environmental Literacy at the Schmidt Center. "Teachers and students not only learn about present day environmental issues, but look to implement solutions on their campuses and communities. The Maryland Green School program provides the framework to make this happen."
Schools Earning Recertification
High Schools (7): Bladensburg, Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr., Fairmont Heights, Gwynn Park, Largo, Laurel, Potomac
K-8/Middle Schools (4): Accokeek Academy, Martin Luther King Jr., Non-Traditional Program Middle @ Edgar Allan Poe, Oxon Hill
Elementary Schools (19): Allenwood, Ardmore, Catherine T. Reed, Cool Spring, Cora L. Rice, Deerfield Run, District Heights, Dodge Park, Edward M. Felegy, Gladys Noon Spellman, Hyattsville, Laurel, Lewisdale, Marlton, Montpelier, Paint Branch, Princeton, William Beanes, William Paca
Specialty Schools (2): Judith P. Hoyer Montessori, Maya Angelou French Immersion
PGCPS schools must renew every four years to retain their MD Green School status. This year, Deerfield Run Elementary, Lewisdale Elementary, and Gwynn Park High School reached Sustainable Status for maintaining certification over 14 consecutive years. Laurel Elementary was recognized with Sustainable Bronze status for 18 years of consistent achievement.
Schools will be honored during the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education’s (MAEOE) Annual Youth Summit on Thursday, May 29, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Participating schools will receive a Maryland Green School flag, statewide and local recognition, and special commemorative gifts.
Sponsored by MAEOE, the Maryland Green Schools program is one of the most rigorous and comprehensive environmental education programs in the nation. It promotes hands-on learning, fosters environmental awareness, and supports sustainable practices through eight key criteria areas in a non-competitive application process.
For more information about the Maryland Green Schools Program, visit the MAEOE website.
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