Maryland's Largest School District
8301 Turkey Thicket Drive
Building A, First Floor
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
To schedule a
school outreach visit:
Sustainability Outreach Request Form
For questions or to report a sustainability concern:
240-740-3210
Sustainability@mcpsmd.org
The Maryland Green Schools (MDGS) Program, managed by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE), gives schools a robust and practical framework to build a sustainable culture.
Participating helps schools develop environmental literacy, encourage sustainable daily habits, and empower students to take action in reducing their environmental footprint.
MCPS continues to lead in environmental education and stewardship. In 2026, 10 additional schools earned the Maryland Green School designation, bringing the district’s total to 123 certified Green Schools.
With 58 percent of all MCPS schools now certified, we have surpassed the 50 percent goal set by the Montgomery County Climate Action Plan. This achievement highlights MCPS’s proactive commitment and our schools’ dedicated efforts to build environmental literacy and promote sustainable practices.
To earn certification, schools upload documentation, including photos and brief descriptions, to the MDGS portal. Applications focus on progress across three pillars:
Integrating environmental education into curriculum, staff professional development, and daily school operations.
Involving students in green practices, environmental clubs, and student-led Green Teams.
Building active, two-way partnerships between the school and the local community.
The next MDGS Youth Summit will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2027. (Registration opens April 5, 2027 at www.maeoe.org/summit/)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fall Mini-Grants Funding opens | Mid-September |
| Intent To Apply Deadline | Mid-December |
| Applications Due | Early March |
| MDGS Youth Summit Bus Funding Opens | Early March |
| MDGS Youth Summit Registration Opens | Early April |
| MDGS Youth Summit | Thursday, May 20, 2027 |
Montgomery County Green Centers provide resources and guidance to help schools complete their applications successfully.
