California Green Ribbon Schools

It’s in recognition of CRA’s environmental excellence and demonstrated achievement in three Pillars: Reducing environmental impacts, improving health and wellness by promoting a healthy physical environment, and offering effective environmental and sustainability education. Last year, we received a Bronze Level award.

We accept this new honor on behalf of our student, families, and staff who have all worked so diligently to help make our integrated environmental education program a national model for excellence.

“Allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s distinguished honorees”, Thurmond said. “California Green Ribbon Schools stand as beacons of innovation that showcase pioneering approaches toward enhanced indoor air quality, the implementation of outdoor classrooms, and comprehensive environmental education initiatives. Within these institutions, students are not merely recipients of knowledge; they are active participants in addressing pressing global issues, such as climate change, alongside tackling local challenges like water quality, food security, energy conservation, waste management, and emotional well-being. It brings me immense satisfaction to note that more than half of these commendable honorees hail from communities with the greatest need within our state. California’s Green Ribbon Schools are at the forefront of nurturing the next generation’s capacity for creativity and critical thinking, thereby equipping them to become effective stewards of our environment both today and in the years to come.”

In celebration of Earth Day 2024, we recently showcased our schoolwide commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship to hundreds of CRA family members and the general public at our Earth Day Festival – “What on Earth’s Happening at CRA?”

Event highlights included butterflies, student ecology projects, interactive displays including from Urban Ecology, The Letterman Company, City of Laguna Niguel, Moulton Niguel Water District, Climate Action Campaign, OC Power Authority, the Recycling Dictionary, and more, along with musical performances, and tours of CRA’s noted Discover Garden.

The event provided an opportunity to spotlight CRA’s impactful partnership with Moulton Niguel Water District, a collaboration that has been helpful in driving sustainability initiatives and championing environmental stewardship at CRA.

We welcomed everyone to learn about the green programs we have on campus including Zero Waste, The Discover Garden, and The Green Champs. We hope everyone felt the joy of taking simple steps to improve our environment as we work together to create a compassionate community working towards climate solutions.