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Overview, eligibility, and sign up

An overview of what the Green Schools Program offers including our vision, program benefits, and structure.

Students on the Green Team at Environmental & Adventure School during the 2023-24 school year
Students on the Green Team at Environmental & Adventure School during the 2023-24 school year.

Green Schools Program

The Green Schools Program supports K-12 schools, school districts, and students in King County. We offer tools and guidance to help schools reduce waste and care for the environment. We're committed to reducing barriers to participation and providing resources equitably. Our goal is to make sure all schools can meet their sustainability goals.

The program focuses on 7 sustainability areas, called benchmarks. Schools receive recognition badges for carrying out the sustainability practices in each benchmark. Completing benchmarks help schools and districts conserve resources, protect the environment, and reduce costs related to waste disposal, energy, and water use.

Program benchmarks include:

How to become a Green School

Public and private K-12 schools and school districts in King County, outside the City of Seattle, are eligible to enroll in the program. Schools and districts must register to receive program recognition. Register using our online form:

School registration criteria

  • Have at least 2 staff members to support the program and serve as program contacts. We encourage having a student Green Team, but it’s not required.
  • Maintain communication with the Green Schools Program representative.
  • Promote the program within your school community.
  • Participate in a Waste Walk Through at least every 2 years. We recommend yearly.

District registration criteria

  • Encourage schools to take part in the Green Schools Program.
  • Maintain an active program participation rate of at least 50% of all your schools.
  • Identify a district staff member to serve as Green Schools Program contact.
  • Maintain communication with the Green Schools Program representatives.
  • Respond to school requests
  • Support school efforts to set up sustainable practices and systems.

Recognition

Schools and districts must be actively enrolled in the Green Schools Program to receive recognition. Schools can enroll at any time during the school year.

Once enrolled, schools can request a Green Schools Program banner to display recognition badges. We also provide digital recognition badges for your website, newsletters, and emails.

Schools recognition

  • Complete benchmarks in any order.
  • Apply for recognition after completing all the required criteria actions.
  • Complete as many benchmarks during the school year as you choose.
  • Receive a new badge for every year your school meets or continues to meet criteria.  

Districts recognition

  • Apply for recognition each spring once you’ve achieved all the district criteria.
  • A program representative will notify you as participating schools achieve each threshold.

What the Green Schools Program offers

Help and guidance.The program provides tailored support to each participating district and school. We connect schools with a program representative to help them achieve their sustainability goals. Representatives are available by phone, email, in-person meetings, and virtual meetings.

Education, engagement, and leadership opportunities for students. Students develop leadership skills while working toward their sustainability goals. Action-oriented education engages students and fosters critical thinking.

Resources. We provide information, recommendations, referrals, and indoor recycling and composting bins. We also provide communication tools such as announcements, articles, and signage. Explore our different options for signs, stickers, and bins. You can request resources by contacting your program representative.

Recognition. Receive banners and badges as recognition for improved sustainability.

Student Green Teams

A Student Green Team is a student group, class, community service club, science club, or other student organization. Green Teams takes on a project to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Teams can be any size and may be part of an existing club or class.

While not mandatory, Green Teams are important to the Green Schools Program’s mission. They provide students with leadership opportunities and help them develop important skills.

Use our Green Team resources for ideas on how to structure and engage your Student Green Team.

Equity and social justice

The King County Green Schools Program is committed to equity and social justice. These values guide and shape the program. Our services are accessible to all, regardless of community location, income level, race, and other student demographics. We strive to be responsive, inclusive, collaborative, people-focused, and racially, culturally, and economically just.

Our priority is to assist where needs are greatest. This includes low-income communities, communities of color, and immigrant and refugee populations. Our priority districts are Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Kent, and Renton. Priority schools are those serving 40% or more free and reduced meals.

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