City Schools of Decatur

Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School (Atlanta Public Schools)

Paideia School (Private)

Pharr Elementary (Gwinnett)

Georgia Institute of Technology

MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Cardoza, GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 651-7358, mcardoza@gadoe.org or Keisha Ford-Jenrette, kford@gadoe.org (404) 657-2949

April 27, 2016 – Three schools, one district, and one university from Georgia are among the 2016 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools. 

The City Schools of Decatur, Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School (Atlanta Public Schools), Paideia School (private), Pharr Elementary (Gwinnett County Schools) and the Georgia Institute of Technology join just 47 schools, 15 districts, and 11 postsecondary institutions nationwide being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.

“The work these schools and systems have done will positively impact students and communities for generations to come,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “They are teaching children – in the most hands-on, innovative ways – how important it is to protect our natural resources. I’d like to commend them for a job well done, and thank them for being such great representatives of the state of Georgia.”

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle added, “In these challenging times, school systems across the state are embracing innovative ideas to reduce costs and focus resources on the classrooms where students learn,” Lt. Governor Casey Cagle said. “I’m proud to stand behind the National Green Ribbon Schools contest to recognize Georgia schools that are implementing groundbreaking tools to reduce their energy costs. This will allow us to redirect precious financial resources towards direct instruction, will create a healthier learning environment for our children, and will give our students career-relevant, first-hand experience in one of our state’s emerging industries.”

Captain Planet Foundation Executive Director Leesa Carter-Jones said, "The Captain Planet Foundation and Turner Foundation congratulate all the Georgia schools and school systems who have made sustainability and high-performance, healthy schools a priority in their capital improvements planning and operations. This commitment demonstrates to Georgia students how highly we value their futures.”

Each institution was judged on three pillars:

I.          Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs

II.         Improved Health and Wellness

III.        Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education

Through a partnership involving the Georgia Department of Education, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Captain Planet Foundation, the Turner Foundation, the U.S. Green Building Council of Georgia and the Clean Air Campaign, one school district, three schools and a college were nominated to compete for the national award.

Learn More:

City Schools of Decatur

Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School

Paideia School

Pharr Elementary

Georgia Tech