California Green Ribbon Schools create a sustainable learning environment.
If anyone eventually figures out how to fix our climate change woes, it will be those who inherit the worsening crisis — kids in school right now. And kids in several Orange County schools are learning a lot, and getting it right. They’re the Green Ribbon award winners.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced in May the 2025 California Green Ribbon Schools Award winners. Among them are Laguna Beach Unified School District, public schools Community Roots Academy in Laguna Niguel, Irvine’s Portola High, Anaheim’s South Junior High, Lake Forest’s El Toro High and private school Heritage Oak Private Education in Yorba Linda, one of only three private schools in California to receive the Green Ribbon. LBUSD was also singled out for being among the five winners with the highest distinction of Green Achievers.
Thurmond noted in his announcement that all of the winners were making contributions to the state and that “our California Green Ribbon Schools exemplify the values of innovation, resiliency and creativity that drive our efforts to make every school community a healthy and sustainable learning environment for our students.”
Thurmond pointed to LBUSD’s aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 by implementing renewable energy projects, waste diversion programs and water conservation efforts, as well as maintaining pesticide-free, organic landscaping and enhancing indoor air quality, locally sourced school meals, garden literacy programs and nature therapy that blends outdoor experiences into social-emotional learning as some of the reasons for their distinction.
El Toro High School Principal Jimmy Martin says being one of the winners “is more than a recognition — it’s a reflection of the kind of learning environment we’re creating for every student. For parents, this means their child is part of a school community that prioritizes health, wellness and sustainability every day. Whether it’s cleaner air in classrooms thanks to upgraded HVAC systems, healthier spaces through green cleaning practices or learning opportunities tied to real-world environmental challenges through our STEAM Academy and Green Campus initiatives, students benefit every day. It all adds up to a safer, smarter and more forward-thinking experience for our Chargers.”
HOPE Head of School Latrese Jackson says her school’s achievement began at the homes of students and staff alike.
“Many of our families are very climate conscious and to see that we take this very seriously at the school and are instilling climate literacy not only through our teachings, but in our actions is something our families applaud,” says Jackson. “Our solar panels and an upgraded HVAC system are working to reduce our carbon footprint and improve air quality. Our school garden and ‘fruit and vegetable market,’ — sponsored by community partners — supports hands-on science learning and nutrition education. These are just a few examples of how we are leveraging our efforts to teach important forward-thinking lessons to our students to help make our community and planet a better place.
“This honor reflects everyday efforts and teachings at our school that translate to each and every student, from our e-waste recycling, water conservation efforts and recycling program, to our Green Schoolyard Vision that creates more natural spaces for outdoor learning as examples. These efforts are woven into our environment and all subjects, from social-emotional learning, STEM and physical education.”
The Green Ribbon program receives and analyzes applications of various schools, school districts and offices around the state to recognize the top achievements in environmental excellence, while the California Association of Private School Organizations evaluates the private school winners.
By Shawn Price
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