The College School in Webster Groves has been named a Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

It is one of only 78 schools nationwide in 29 states and Washington, DC, to receive the first-ever award, and one of only two Missouri schools and 12 independent schools to be honored. The other Missouri school to win was Crossroads College Preparatory School at 500 DeBaliviere Ave.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the first-ever selectees in late April during Earth Day Week. The national education award recognizes schools for significant commitments to sustainability initiatives and environmental education. 

Sheila Gurley and Tim Wood, of The College School, will travel to Washington, DC, in early June to accept the award in a special ceremony.

“When we set out a year ago to recognize comprehensive achievement in the areas of environmental impact, health and education, we didn’t know about the quality of the applications we would receive," Duncan said in a news release.

She continued, "But we discovered that these schools are engaging in some of the most innovative school reforms anywhere. These approaches are enabling the schools to reduce their environmental impact and costs, improve student health and ensure that graduates are prepared to face the great challenges of the 21st century.”

The College School, founded in 1963, is approaching its 50-year anniversary. It is an independent school for children in preschool through eighth grade. The school engages children in joyful, meaningful and creative learning through an adventurous, theme-based and experiential curriculum.