Collage of elementary students raising hands and participating in gardening activities indoors and outdoors.The National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools U.S. program recognized 12 schools in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) for their commitment to sustainability and environmental education. Schools received Green Flag, Gold, and Silver awards, which honor efforts to integrate sustainability initiatives, student leadership, and environmental learning into daily school culture.

“Growing from one pilot Eco-School in 2024-25 to 12 nationally recognized schools in 2025-26 is an exciting achievement for Prince William County Public Schools and a powerful example of our belief that ‘Every School Can Be a Green School,’” said Melinda Landry, sustainability coordinator for PWCS.

The following schools earned the Green Flag Award, the program’s highest distinction:

  • Antietam Elementary School
  • Brentsville District High School
  • Buckland Mills Elementary School
  • Dale City Elementary School
  • Forest Park High School
  • Gar-Field High School
  • Occoquan Elementary School
  • Pennington Traditional School
  • Rockledge Elementary School

Gold Award recipients:

  • Covington-Harper Elementary School
  • Lake Ridge Elementary School

Silver Award recipient:

  • McAuliffe Elementary School

Building on the success of a pilot program at Forest Park High, which earned Green Flag status during the 2024–25 school year, PWCS expanded participation in Eco-Schools U.S. through its Sustainability Liaison Program, EcoQuest, and environmental literacy initiatives.

The recognition reflects the dedication of sustainability liaisons, educators, administrators, and students who are creating meaningful learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world environmental stewardship and community impact.

More broadly, participation in the Eco-Schools program advances the division’s goals for environmental literacy, project-based learning, outdoor education, and student leadership development. Through hands-on, place-based learning experiences, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to address environmental challenges while developing a deeper connection to their communities.

Learn more about the school division’s commitment to outdoor learning environments and place-based education in the PWCS Elevate 2030 Strategic Plan.