HPA Named One of DOE’s Green Ribbon Schools

Hawaii Preparatory Academy has been named one of two Hawaii schools in the first-ever nationwide listing of Green Ribbon Schools by the US Department of Education.

HPA, a private school located in Waimea, and Ewa Makai Middle School on Oahu, a public school, were among 78 schools honored Monday.

The program honors schools that have significantly reduced their environmental impact and achieved energy efficiency. According to the federal education officials, Green Ribbon schools take a comprehensive approach of reducing environmental impact, promoting health and ensuring a “high-quality environmental and outdoor education to prepare students with 21^st century skills and sustainability concepts needed in the growing global economy.”

“Science, environmental and outdoor education play a central role in providing children with a well-rounded education, helping prepare them for the jobs of the future,” US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in announcing the winners. “U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate compelling examples of the ways schools can help children build real-world skillsets, cut school costs, and provide healthy learning environments.”

HPA and Pahoa High and Intermediate School were among four Hawaii schools nominated in March to compete for the Green Ribbon honor.

The list of winners came from 28 states and Washington DC and included 12 private schools and 66 public schools, with eight of those charters. More than 350 schools nationwide applied to be considered for the list.