The aim of U.S. Department of Education (National) Green Ribbon Schools is to inspire schools (both public and private), districts, early learning centers (OLCs), and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to strive for 21st-century excellence by highlighting promising school sustainability practices and resources that all can employ. To that end, the award recognizes schools, districts, OLCs, and IHEs that:

  1. Reduce environmental impact and costs;
  2. Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
  3. Provide effective environmental and sustainability education

Each spring The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) recognizes national and state finalists in an award’s ceremony held at one of the Delaware’s schools. All national winners are recognized in Washington, DC, in the summer.

Congratulations to the Current Green Ribbon School Winners

There were no applications or awardees in 2022.

National Awardees – 2021

Due to COVID-19 there are no winners for 2021.

Delaware Awardees – 2021

Due to COVID-19 there are no winners for 2021.

National Green Ribbon School Awardees (past 2 years)

Award Year Awardee
2019 Jefferson School, Private School
2019 Caesar Rodney School District
2018 Warner Elementary School, Red Clay Consolidated School District

Delaware Green Ribbon School Awardees (past 2 years)

Award Year Awardee
2019 Simpson Elementary School, Caesar Rodney School District

2017: Forwood Elementary School, Brandy Wine School District
2017: Postletwhait Middle, Caesar Rodney School District
2016: Wilmington Montessori, Charter School
2015: Linden Hill Elementary, Red Clay School District
2015: Mt. Pleasant Elementary, Brandywine School District
2015: Kirk Middle School, Christina School District
2014: Red Clay School District
2013: St. Andrews School, Private School

2017: Warner Elementary, Red Clay Consolidated School District


Apply to be a Green Ribbon School

Delaware Application Process

Applications to become a 2023 Delaware nominee and awardee are now available! Submissions are due to the DDOE by February 1, 2024.

All applications must include nomination form, application, and pictures.

U.S. Department of Education Application Process

ED-GRS recognizes schools taking a comprehensive approach to greening their school/district.  A comprehensive approach incorporates environmental learning with improving environmental and health impacts.

Becoming a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School is a two-step process.

Step One: Complete and submit the Delaware Green Ribbon 2022 application in order to be selected as a 2023 nominee by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE).
Step Two: The DDOE selection committee will send up to 5 applicants to the U.S. Department Of Education. The U.S. Department of Education will make the final decision national winners.


Additional Resources