Three Charles County Public schools recently earned the Maryland Green Schools designation from a state organization, while six others achieved Sustainable Schools status.

Berry Elementary School, Henry E. Lackey and Thomas Stone high schools were certified as Maryland Green Schools by the Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (MAEOE).

The Maryland Green Schools program recognizes schools and organizations that connect students to nature and empower them to become strong stewards of the environment, according to MAEOE’s website. Among the areas focused on at schools are energy conservation, healthy school activities, habitat restoration and recycling and reducing waste.

Maryland Green Schools renews its awards every four years. Schools that have applied four times are granted Sustainable status. Schools who have applied five times are granted Sustainable Bronze status. This year, Gale-Bailey Elementary School earned the bronze designation. It first applied for the status in 2000.

Other schools earning Sustainable Status include Dr. James Craik, Arthur Middleton and J.C. Parks elementary schools, Piccowaxen Middle School and Westlake High School.

As of 2024, there are 654 recognized Green Schools and 36 Green Centers throughout Maryland. Sixteen CCPS schools participate in the program, an increase of 12% from 2023. “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.”

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.  CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).