Rhode Island Honors Seven Schools with 2025 Green Ribbon Awards

Rhode Island Honors Seven Schools with 2025 Green Ribbon Awards

Published on Monday, December 29, 2025

State Program Continues Despite Federal Cancellation; 2025-2026 Applications Now Open

PROVIDENCE, RI - Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced the recipients of the 2025 Rhode Island Green Ribbon Schools Award.

Following the U.S. Department of Education's unexpected cancellation of the national Green Ribbon Schools program earlier this year, Rhode Island remains committed to recognizing these achievements.

The Rhode Island Green Ribbon Schools award honors schools and districts for their outstanding efforts to reduce environmental impact and costs, improve the health and wellness of students and staff, and provide effective sustainability education.

The following schools were previously selected by RIDE for recognition of their exemplary achievements by the national Green Ribbon Schools program, prior to the abrupt cancellation of the federal program:

• Wilbur & McMahon School (Little Compton)
• Henry J. Winters Elementary (Pawtucket)
• McGuire Elementary School (North Providence)
• Stephen Olney Elementary School (North Providence)
• Narducci Learning Center (Providence)
• Pleasant View Elementary School (Providence)
• North Smithfield High School

"Rhode Island has prioritized providing our students learning environments that are safe, clean and environmentally responsible," said Governor Dan McKee. "As a result, RI public schools built or renovated over the last 15 years use at least 30% less energy and 20% less water, reflecting the state's strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency in education."

This is the 15th consecutive year that Rhode Island has participated in the Green Ribbon Schools program, making it the only New England state with continuous involvement since the program's inception.

"Rhode Island's Green Ribbon schools are creating healthier, more energy-efficient, and sustainable spaces for learning," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "The goal is to empower schools, educators, and students by addressing infrastructure challenges, improving student well-being and academic success in every Rhode Island community."

Over the past fourteen years, Rhode Island has recognized twenty-three national Green Ribbon Schools awardees, including Lincoln High School, East Providence High School, Dunn's Corners Elementary School, and the University of Rhode Island.

Modeled after the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, Rhode Island's Green Ribbon Schools Award recognizes schools that demonstrate minimal environmental impact, positive health outcomes for students and staff, and effective preparation of students for careers and citizenship in the 21st century.

RIDE is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Rhode Island Green Ribbon Schools program for the 2025-2026 academic year.

All PreK-12 public and private schools in Rhode Island are eligible to apply. Up to four schools will be selected for recognition.

Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected] by March 15, 2026.

For questions about the program, please contact Dr. Joseph da Silva at (401) 222-4294 or via email at [email protected].

To download the application and learn more, visit: https://ride.ri.gov/funding-finance/school-building-authority/green-schoolhouses

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What They Are Saying:

"North Providence Public Schools are incredibly proud that two of our new elementary schools, Stephen Olney Elementary School and McGuire Elementary School, have been selected for recognition by RIDE's Green Ribbon Schools program," said Joseph B. Goho, Superintendent of North Providence Public Schools. "This honor reflects our district's commitment to sustainable design, environmental stewardship, and creating healthy learning environments for our students and staff."

"We are honored that two schools in Providence, Pleasant View Elementary School and the Narducci Learning Center, have been recognized as Rhode Island Green Ribbon Schools," said Dr. Javier Montañez, Superintendent of Providence Public School District."This award reflects our district's deep commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and creating healthy, energy-efficient learning environments for every student. With the help of the state, PPSD facilities have undergone a transformation that has allowed more students to learn in high-quality learning spaces."

"We are thrilled that Wilbur & McMahon School has earned a Rhode Island Green Ribbon School award," said Dr. Laurie Dias-Mitchell, Superintendent of Little Compton Schools. "This special recognition highlights our district's ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship and student wellness. We're excited to see our sustainable design and hands-on sustainability education being celebrated."

"Henry J. Winters Elementary School's selection as a Green Ribbon Award recipient is a tremendous accomplishment for the Pawtucket School Department and an important milestone for our community. As the second school in Pawtucket to receive this prestigious honor, Winters continues our district's forward momentum in creating healthy, sustainable, and high-performing learning environments for all students," said Randy Buck, Interim Superintendent of Pawtucket Schools. "I extend my sincere congratulations to Principal Bishop, the dedicated Winters faculty and staff, and our facilities and operations teams. Their leadership and collaboration exemplify Pawtucket's ongoing work to modernize our schools and position our students for success."

"North Smithfield High School's Green Ribbon designation speaks to the daily work happening in our classrooms, labs, and outdoor spaces," said Michael St. Jean, Superintendent of North Smithfield Public Schools. "Our students and educators are exploring sustainability not as a separate initiative, but as part of how we learn, plan, and care for our community. This recognition affirms our action towards a healthier and more resilient future."