Sustainability

Sustainability

At Mundo Verde, sustainability is at the core of our educational model. As Washington D.C.'s first 'green' public charter school, we dedicate ourselves to preparing PreK-5th graders to become global citizens and environmental stewards. Our curriculum seamlessly integrates sustainability principles, equipping students to understand the intricate connections between natural, social, and economic systems. This approach fosters a deep sense of responsibility across generations and encourages a lifelong commitment to ecological stewardship. We cultivate this ethos through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, physical activity, healthy eating, and community engagement, empowering our students to embrace the challenges and opportunities of a sustainable future.

Standards

Our sustainability curriculum is founded on the nine Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education standards (English / Español). Each expedition fits into a school-wide plan for logically implementing our sustainability curriculum across the grade levels.

Sustainability Integration

We're committed to sustainability in every aspect of our education, even our physical spaces.

In our classrooms

  • Classroom Integration

    Our classrooms foster a connection with nature.

  • Expedition Focus

    Our expeditions explore vital sustainability concepts like natural cycles.

  • Green Gardens

    Each campus boasts an organic garden we design, maintain, and harvest from.

  • Farm Visits

    We delve into sustainable food production by visiting local farms.

  • Resource Investigation

    Our students learn about natural resources and alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

  • Waste Management

    We educate our community while separating waste into compost, recycling, and trash.

Around our school

  • LEED Certification

    Our campus is LEED-certified.

  • Solar Panels

    We use solar panels to reduce energy demands and minimize our carbon footprint.

  • Water Features

    Rain barrels and an underground cistern help conserve water.

  • Energy Efficiency

    Daylight harvesting sensors save energy.

  • Teaching Tools

    Our buildings are used as educational tools to instill sustainability principles.

  • Future Inspiration

    The J.F. Cook campus inspires our upcoming renovations at the Calle Ocho campus.

Assessment

Step 1

Conduct a yearly assessment using the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative of South Australia guide to constantly improve our sustainable school.

Step 2

Collect an assessment, every school year, from teachers, students, parents, and staff, as well as from external partners and sustainability experts.

Step 3

Use final assessment to inform our goal setting for future improvements in sustainability.

Green Schools National Network

As a Green Schools National Network Partner, Mundo Verde is intentional about where, what, and how students learn to create a sustainable future.

  • Healthy environment with clean air and water in an energy-efficient building, as well as nurturing food and plenty of exercise.

  • Equitable access to resources and opportunities through a curriculum that builds students’ cultural competence, compassion, and leadership skills.

  • Interdisciplinary focus on sustainability that empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to preserve and steward their school, communities, and planet.