Join The Movement
Join the thousands of schools who are already on their journey toward a more sustainable tomorrow.
A sustainable future begins at every EcoSchool
Getting involved with the EcoSchools U.S. program is a fantastic way to demonstrate commitment to a sustainable future for students, educators, administrators, and the community on a local scale. Students will join a global movement of over 19 million environmental leaders who are engaging in project-based and place-based learning to explore climate, biodiversity, and community-centered solutions to the climate crisis, advocating for climate justice, developing STEAM skills, making way for life and world-changing careers, and forming authentic partnerships within and outside school communities.
Schools have the opportunity to act as leaders for their schools by promoting the EcoSchools U.S. program as a benchmark for environmental learning and action, while employing certification standards modeled after the international Eco-Schools program that connects directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The EcoSchools U.S. program is an even more effective tool when districts and schools work together and take a collective impact approach to environmental learning and climate action.
Whether you’re certifying for the first time, or pursuing another Green Flag, your school is supported by a research-based framework and curriculum-linked resources to help you every step of the way.
Learn more about certification.
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Building a Successful EcoSchools U.S. Program
The EcoSchools program is built on two foundational tools, the EcoSchools Framework, used globally by the over 70 participating countries, and the EcoSchools U.S. themes. A successful EcoSchools program utilizes both tools when working toward or maintaining excellence in environment and nature-based educational experiences and practices at the intersections of the environment, economy, and society.
What's new for the 2024-2025 school year?
We are excited to welcome both new and returning schools for a year full of fun and impactful environment-based learning and action! Key updates include:
- 2024-25 Program & Certification Guide – whether new or returning, a great starting place for the program!
- An updated Action Card Library with over a dozen new action cards focused on the National Wildlife Federation’s Schoolyard Habitats® program, community-based and resilience actions to address climate change, and green careers.
- As a reminder, schools can earn campaign badges in addition to award certification, with two new campaigns for the 2024-25 school year: Schoolyard Habitats® and Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC). Visit the campaign web pages to learn more.
Is there a cost to certify?
There is no fee to register for the EcoSchools U.S. program or to apply for certification.
Where can I find resources for certification?
Once registered, educators will have access to more resources through the EcoSchools Certification Application (ECA). These include resources like action card guidance, curriculum connections, and implementation resources.
General program resources including the 2024-25 Program and Certification Guide and Certification Rubric can be found on our school resources page.
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year will open August 10, 2024.
