Thirteen schools in Prince William County have been recognized by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for incorporating environmental literacy into their educational programs.
Virginia’s program, called Naturally School, aims to increase environmental awareness and responsibility among students from kindergarten through high school.
Nationwide, 58 schools were honored for their work in the 2023-24 school year, including 16 schools that first participated in the program, which began in 2000.
In Prince William, Coles Elementary School in Prince William County in Manassas was honored for the eleventh time.
Three-time winners were Dale City and Neabsco elementary schools in Dale City, George P. Mullen Elementary in the Sudley Manor neighborhood of Manassas, Freedom High School in Woodbridge and Patriot High School in Nokesville.
Recognized for the second time were Bel Air Elementary in Dale City, Belmont Elementary in Woodbridge, Mountain View Elementary in Haymarket and Gar-Field Senior High School in Woodbridge.
Recognized for the first time were Forest Park High School between the communities of Montclair and Ashland, Henderson Elementary School in Montclair and Rockledge Elementary School in Lake Ridge.
Schools were evaluated on two criteria: authentic, hands-on, real-world learning that takes place in the classroom, focuses on environmental and sustainability education, and incorporates civic engagement and/or STEM connections; and learning that goes beyond the classroom (such as meaningful field experiences) to build on what students are learning in the classroom.
Three schools nationwide were honored for the 23rd time. In total, nearly 39,000 students attended Virginia Naturally schools last school year.
