Two San Diego County Schools and One District Receive California Green Ribbon Schools Award

Two schools in San Diego County recently received recognition for their commitment to conserving resources and promoting environmental literacy.

Bella Mente Montessori Academy (Belle Mente) in the Vista Unified School District was one of only five "Green Achievers" nominated by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to receive U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognition.

Community Montessori, a San Diego County Office of Education charter school, was one of 29 schools honored with a Green Ribbon award, also Bronze status.

National School District was one of 10 districts to receive the Green Ribbon award, also Gold status.

“Our California Green Ribbon Schools exemplify the values of innovation, resiliency, and creativity that drive our efforts to make every school community a healthy and sustainable learning environment for our students.” Superintendent Thurmond said. “I congratulate each of these schools on your incredible accomplishments and contributions to our state.”

Bella Mente has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability through its comprehensive energy conservation, health and wellness, and ecological literacy efforts. The school’s Energy Action Plan, developed following a 2018 energy audit, promotes energy efficiency through student-led projects like the “Energy Guardians” and infrastructure upgrades such as solar panels, LED lighting, and HVAC systems.

Bella Mente has achieved notable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. Water conservation efforts, including xeriscaping, low-flow fixtures, and stormwater management, have significantly reduced indoor and outdoor water use. Waste management practices focus on recycling, composting, and minimizing single-use materials, supported by student-driven initiatives. Transportation improvements like bike racks, carpool incentives, and a no-idling policy promote eco-friendly commuting. Bella Mente utilizes environmentally friendly cleaning products and fosters a safe indoor environment with features like HEPA filters and natural lighting. The garden-to-table program, native landscaping, and wellness initiatives like Fit Fridays promote physical and mental health.

Environmental literacy is emphasized through garden education, project-based learning, and STEM-focused activities like hydroponics and waste reduction, aligning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The Bella Mente partnerships with local organizations support environmental stewardship, fostering civic responsibility and preparing students to address global environmental challenges. More details on the honorees and a list of the California Green Ribbon Schools honorees can be found on the California Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Award Program webpage.