The article highlights three Marin County schools that earned California Green Ribbon Schools recognition for 2026. This achievement shows a broad commitment to sustainability, wellness, and environmental education across Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Rafael, and beyond.
The Cove School in Larkspur, Neil Cummins Elementary in Corte Madera, and Montessori de Terra Linda in San Rafael were celebrated by the California Department of Education. These schools have been greening their campuses, engaging students in hands-on learning, and building healthier school communities in Marin County and the North Bay.
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Marin County’s 2026 Green Ribbon Winners
California Green Ribbon Schools honor districts and campuses that show resource efficiency, health and wellness, and innovative environmental education. In Marin, the award recognized measurable outcomes, student leadership, and a communitywide commitment to sustainability and wellness.
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond praised the honorees for creating healthy, sustainable learning environments. He also applauded them for empowering students to tackle climate resiliency and local challenges, especially in historically underserved communities.
These wins echo Marin’s long-standing focus on environmental stewardship. You can feel this commitment from the hills of Mill Valley to the bayside towns of Sausalito and San Rafael.
Superintendent Brett Geithman and campus leaders see the recognition as a result of collaboration. Students, teachers, families, and community partners in towns like Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Rafael, and San Anselmo work together on practical sustainability projects.
At Neil Cummins Elementary in Corte Madera, Principal Kyle Shaw highlighted student-led environmental learning through garden education, ocean stewardship, and sustainability initiatives. Teacher leaders across the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District support these efforts.
The district translates classroom learning into real-world impact in Marin City, Fairfax, and beyond. It’s a model that feels both ambitious and refreshingly practical.
Neil Cummins Elementary: Student-Led Learning and Ocean Stewardship
Neil Cummins has participated in the NOAA Ocean Guardian School program for two years. The school promotes ocean and watershed conservation activities that resonate with families in Corte Madera, Larkspur, and nearby communities.
Students work with Zero Waste Marin to minimize school waste. Daily garden programs connect science to stewardship in a way that feels tangible and even a bit fun.
Regular nature excursions with WildCare give students from Ross and San Rafael hands-on opportunities to explore local ecosystems. It’s not just about textbooks—it’s about getting outside and seeing the world up close.
- Student‑led garden education and stewardship initiatives
- NOAA Ocean Guardian School program participation for two years
- Partnerships with Zero Waste Marin to reduce waste and improve sustainability
- Nature-based learning excursions through WildCare
Parents in Larkspur and Corte Madera have noticed a shift toward healthier lifestyles and climate resilience. You can see it in daily routines, school gardens, and the way environmental topics are woven into classrooms from first grade onward.
This model reinforces Marin’s identity as a region where schools partner with local nonprofits and scientific programs. The goal? To educate the next generation of stewards—kids who care and actually do something about it.
Cove School: Outdoor Learning, Mindfulness, and a Green Team
At Cove School, Principal Michelle Walker points to a student “green team” that leads projects and champions garden-based outdoor learning. Mindfulness practices and stewardship activities are part of daily life, building a sense of responsibility for the land around Larkspur and Corte Madera.
The school’s focus on healthy environments matches Marin’s broader priorities: clean air, accessible outdoor spaces, and strong student mental health supports. Families in nearby Sausalito and Tiburon, who commute through Green Valley or up the Marin Headlands, also benefit from these efforts.
- Garden-based outdoor learning integrated into the curriculum
- Student green team leading sustainability initiatives
- Mindfulness practices supporting overall wellness
- Stewardship programs linking students to the local ecosystem
Both Cove and Neil Cummins earned gold status in the California Green Ribbon framework. Marin County now sits higher on the state’s sustainability ladder, and people in Mill Valley, Sausalito, San Rafael, and Novato are taking notice.
These campuses show how to turn state policy into real, local benefits for students and the wider community. It’s not always easy, but it’s happening—and that’s worth celebrating.
Montessori de Terra Linda: A San Rafael Benchmark in Green Education
In San Rafael, Montessori de Terra Linda joined its neighbor schools in earning gold under the same program. This highlights Marin’s strong multi‑school approach to environmental literacy.
The campus puts a spotlight on sustainable practices and student leadership. Project-based learning connects with the broader goals of Marin’s public schools and private education networks.
Maybe not every district will reach this level, but the trio of Marin campuses shows the region can foster climate resiliency and healthy school environments. That’s true from Corte Madera to San Rafael, and from Larkspur to San Anselmo.
The state’s top label—green achiever—went to Lycée Français de San Francisco. Other districts picked up gold, silver, or bronze distinctions.
In Marin County, the three honored schools really prove how North Bay communities—from Fairfax to Novato—are weaving sustainability into daily learning. For parents and locals in Marin, it’s hard not to feel a little proud. Our schools are helping students thrive academically and nudging all Marin towns—from San Rafael’s Terra Linda to Larkspur’s charming downtown—toward a healthier, more resilient future.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin schools receive statewide environmental honors
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