Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Carmel Unified School District

This page contains information on Carmel Unified School District as one of the 2020 green ribbon schools award selectee.

Picture of Carmel Unified School District 2020 Green Ribbon Schools award selectee

Carmel Unified School District (CUSD) stretches from Big Sur on the Pacific Coast to Cachagua in the Carmel Valley, serving diverse students from across 600 square miles. CUSD’s mission calls out responsibility for the environment as a core belief. District committees brainstorm ways to reduce their environmental footprint as well as improve student wellness. Every school in CUSD has a garden as well as a composting program. Elementary schools have a dedicated garden teacher connecting student learning to the practical application in their school’s garden. Middle school students enrich their various environmental science courses at The Habitat, an environmental education nature center that, in conjunction with MEarth (the Habitat's nonprofit organization), offers science, environmental education, and sustainability programming. The Carmel High School Environmental Club is the first local Surfrider chapter, leading regular waste reduction initiatives. Both Carmel high schools partner with local land preserves to raise money and restore the areas.

Completed Application External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF) for Carmel Unified School District.

Questions:   California Green Ribbon Schools | GREENRIBBONSCHOOLS@cde.ca.gov | 916-322-2470
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Trending in School Facilities
Recently Posted in School Facilities
  • Debt Financing for California School Districts (added 06-Oct-2026)
    Provides California school districts with an overview of local funding options, including bond requirements, allowable uses, bonding capacity, the school bond process, and Certificates of Participation.
  • Bidding 101 (added 06-Oct-2026)
    Outlines bid thresholds, statutory requirements, and procurement guidance for school districts. Covers construction, non-construction, professional services, cooperative purchasing, and delivery methods.
  • School Construction Toolkit (added 06-Oct-2026)
    Resources to help small school district administrators navigate facilities financing, local and state funding options, contracting support, and technical assistance, with guidance from foundational planning through roadmaps for additional resources.
  • CA Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (added 06-Oct-2026)
    Provides an overview of CUPCCAA program and process that school districts can use to streamline procurement procedures and higher bid thresholds. Districts must formally elect participation and follow applicable laws, requirements and board policies.
  • Bidding Quick Reference Chart (added 06-Oct-2026)
    This page contains information regarding the bidding quick reference chart