May 5, 2026
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
With 31 renewals and 10 new awardees, the district expands its state and nation-leading Green Schools network to 164 certified schools
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) continues to lead both Maryland and the nation in Green Schools, with 31 schools renewing their certification and 10 schools earning the designation for the first time. The district now boasts a record 164 certified Maryland Green Schools — the highest total of any district in Maryland, which itself has more Green Schools than any other state in the country.
While there is no single national designation or ranking system for Green Schools, Maryland’s nationally recognized program — administered by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) — includes more participating schools than any other state. As the top district within that leading state program, PGCPS stands as the nation’s leader in Green Schools participation.
“Prince George’s County Public Schools’ continued leadership as the #1 district in the nation for Maryland Green Schools reflects more than recognition — it reflects a long-standing commitment to action,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “For years, we have led Maryland in environmental education, and today that leadership stands on a national stage. Through our Climate Change Action Plan, sustainability is not an add-on in PGCPS, it is embedded in the daily learning experience of our students. From classroom instruction to school-wide practices, we are ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn in environments that model responsibility, resilience, and stewardship. This is how we prepare young people not only to understand the world they inherit, but to lead its transformation.”
The William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center, home to the district’s environmental education program, continues to lead this work by supporting schools and educators with year-round programming and sustainability initiatives.
“PGCPS stands out across Maryland for embedding sustainable practices into school culture,” said James Roberson, Supervisor at the Schmidt Center. “Students and teachers go beyond learning about environmental challenges – they actively develop and implement solutions within their schools and communities. The Maryland Green School program provides a powerful framework to support this work.”
Andrew Jackson Academy; Chesapeake Math and IT Academy South Elementary; Fort Foote Elementary; Glenarden Woods Elementary; Gwynn Park Middle; International High School at Langley Park; Online Campus; Overlook Spanish Immersion School; Sonia Sotomayor Middle; William Wirt Middle
Schools must renew certification every four years to maintain Maryland Green School status. This year, three schools reached Sustainable Silver Status (maintaining certification for six consecutive application cycles) and three schools reached Sustainable Status (maintaining certification for at least four application cycles):
Schools will be recognized at the MAEOE Annual Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit on Thursday, May 28, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. The event includes award ceremonies, youth leadership activities, a green careers fair, and an environmental literacy showcase.
Sponsored by MAEOE, the Maryland Green Schools program is among the most rigorous environmental education initiatives in the nation. With 702 participating schools, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental literacy, and sustainable practices through eight comprehensive criteria areas in a non-competitive application process.
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