California Green Ribbon Schools FAQs

Applications for 2026 recognition are due November 17, 2025, at noon.

Photos may be included within the page limit, but will not be a factor in an applicant’s score. The review will be based solely on application data and narrative responses.

Attachments may be included within the page limit and should be referred to in specific responses in order to be scored. Note that reviewers will not visit hyperlinks; all content must be presented within the page limit.

Yes, the 2026 application includes several updated questions designed to better reflect California’s environmental priorities, including state-specific climate goals and sustainability practices. Applicants are encouraged to read each question carefully to ensure their responses align with the revised criteria.

Your previous application is a great place to start; however, be sure to transfer information over to this year's application and address any question changes. Update your responses to include the most recent contributions to your efforts.

Individualized application feedback depends on staff availability at the time of request. To request an application review, please email greenribbonschools@cde.ca.gov.

There isn’t a word limit per question; however, each question has a suggested response length as a guide. Some answers may need more explanation and others may need less than suggested, and this will vary from one applicant to another. Use the space within the application wisely, as the 45-page total limit is firm.

The number of people contributing to an application will vary, depending on your local context. We do not recommend trying to complete this application alone. Potential partners include: district facilities and maintenance staff, district and site administrators, teachers, students, parent organizations, and business or non-profit partners in sustainability efforts. It can be helpful to have one “lead writer” to provide a consistent voice throughout the application once content has been gathered from various perspectives.

A District Sustainability Award is available. Schools that apply from within the same district will share many courses of effort and should take care to describe what makes their site-based implementation unique. Schools located within a district that has previously received the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition should email greenribbonschools@cde.ca.gov for consultation prior to application.

If you do not have access to your previous application, email a request to greenribbonschools@cde.ca.gov and we will send you a copy within 1-2 business days.

Yes, each application is evaluated on its own merits.

Any school serving any combination of grades P-12 may apply. Stand-alone early learning centers are also eligible.

No, all application responses must be written in third-person narrative form.