Springdale Park Named National Green Ribbon School

was named a National Green Ribbon School on Monday for the continuous effort to be environmentally friendly and health conscious.

Springdale Park was among 78 schools nationwide to receive the inaugural award.

"Science and environmental education play a central role in providing children with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the jobs of the future," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a statement.

"Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate compelling examples of the ways schools can expand their coursework while also helping children build real world skill sets, cut school costs, and provide healthy learning environments."

U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools is a federal recognition program that began in September 2011.

Honored schools “exercise a comprehensive approach to creating ‘green’ environments through reducing environmental impact, promoting health, and ensuring a high-quality environmental and outdoor education to prepare students with the 21st century skills and sustainability concepts needed in the growing global economy.”

The 78 schools were chosen from more than 350 applicants. Among the winners are 66 public schools including 8 charters, and 12 private schools. Forty-three elementary schools, 31 middle and 26 high schools were selected.

"These Green Ribbon Schools are giving students and educators what they need to maximize learning and minimize risks like asthma and other respiratory illnesses, ensuring that no child is burdened by pollution in or around their school," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said in a statement.

Springdale Park is located in the Druid Hills neighborhood of Atlanta. Students from Midtown, Poncey-Highland, Virginia-Highland and a portion of Druid Hills attend the elementary school.

Connect with Virginia-Highland Patch on Facebook and Twitter at @VaHiPatch. Get Patch in your inbox.