Maryland Green School Program Welcomes 52 New Maryland Green Schools

Growing Percentage of State Schools are Certified Green

BALTIMORE – The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) has announced updated numbers for the 2017/18 school year for its flagship program, Maryland Green Schools.

This Earth Day the program welcomed 52 new Maryland Green Schools, and an additional 83 schools recertifying their Green School status. This brings the total number of Maryland Green Schools to 618, meaning 27% of all Maryland schools are green schools. In addition, nine schools have achieved sustainable Maryland Green Schools status, meaning they have successfully participated in the program for 14 years.

“The 2018 Maryland Green Schools are an excellent example of our state’s commitment to creating and teaching sustainable practices that help protect the environment for our future learners,” said Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools. “The innovative use of green initiatives in school buildings and grounds is one of the most important steps we can take in creating awareness of our impact on the environment.”

The Maryland Green Schools Program is a nationally recognized program that started in 1999. Maryland Green Schools have demonstrated a continuous effort to integrate sustainable environmental practices, environmental education curriculum, professional development and community engagement into the culture of the school. This certification signifies that these schools have made a commitment to developing stewards of the earth and reducing environmental impact.

MAEOE will celebrate with Green Schools and schools that are interested in knowing more about the program at the 8th Annual Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit on May 31, 2018, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Dr. Carol Williamson, Deputy State Superintendent, will join Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton and Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles at the Summit.

A complete list of new Maryland Green Schools can be found here https://maeoe.org/news/2018/maryland-green-school-program-grows-to-618-schools-27-of-all-maryland-schools