Each year, schools may work toward earning one of several Eco-Schools certifications. The process begins fresh each August, ensuring that both people and systems remain committed to sustained practices that support local ecosystems, strengthen communities, and promote meaningful environmental education.

At Brompton, we chose to dive in wholeheartedly—because certification itself isn’t the point of participating in Eco-Schools. Instead, the true value lies in the structure of the program. Eco-Schools provides a thoughtful framework that scaffolds authentic Nature Connection and ecological learning, meeting schools where they are and supporting steady, intentional growth.

Through community-building, student-led campaigns, and hands-on task cards, participants grow in real and measurable ways—developing lifelong commitments to the natural world and the skills needed to create lasting, positive change.

So… how is it done?

Eco-Schools participation begins with the creation of a Leadership Team, made up of students, educators, and community members. This team builds sustained, reciprocal relationships within the school and the broader community to guide the work.

Together, schools select and complete a series of Campaigns and Action Cards that align with their values, priorities, and local context. These actions might include environmental audits, student-led projects, community outreach, or changes to school practices.

Each June, participating schools submit evidence of their work—documenting progress toward required goals, activities, and projects—as part of the Eco-Schools certification process. This reflection highlights both accomplishments and growth, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on learning, leadership, and long-term impact.

If your curious, check out the Eco Schools Framework HERE to see a visual of the program process.

For those who are REALY, REALLY, SUPER interested in learning more about the Eco Schools Certification process, I am linking a few documents below that guide our process (If this sort of thing interests you, you should consider becoming a member of our Eco Schools planning team!)

• Eco Schools Program and Certification Guide

• Eco Schools U.S. Themes

• Eco Schools Card Point Guide

• Certification Rubric

An Eco-Schools Campaign is a large, overarching project that may take a year or more to complete, with the intention of sustaining the work for the life of the school.

At Brompton, we have chosen to participate in the Schoolyard Habitat (SYH) Campaign. If you would like to learn more about Schoolyard Habitat Campaigns,  visit THIS PAGE on the Eco-Schools website.  This year, we have chosen the "Build a Pollinator Garden," Action Card as our focus habitat.

This work is reflected in our ongoing efforts to transform a little-used patch of hard clay and rock into a thriving garden space—one that supports local ecosystems while inviting students to learn through direct, hands-on connection with the land.

The goals of the Schoolyard Habitat Campaign provide structure for our mission and help Brompton become both classroom and habitat, contributing reciprocally to the natural world while deepening students’ sense of responsibility, care, and belonging.

We post regularly about our Schoolyard Habitat Campaign on the Nature Connection website—please check back often to follow along on our journey. Community is integral to our school’s success, so if you’d like to be involved, please contact kathy@bromptonschool.org. We would love for you to be part of our team!

For those who are REALY, REALLY, SUPER interested in learning more about the Eco Schools Certification process, I am linking a few documents below that guide our process (If this sort of thing interests you, you should consider becoming a member of our Eco Schools planning team!)

• Eco Schools Framework

• Eco Schools Program and Certification Guide

• Eco Schools U.S. Themes

• Eco Schools Card Point Guide

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The EcoSchools program offers a wide range of Action Cards, each contributing points toward certification. As newcomers, we are still learning the process, but our focus this year has been on building strong, sustainable systems that will last. With an incredible network of volunteers and a community that consistently shows up in support of these values, BCS is proud of the momentum we’re building through the EcoSchools program. 

Although Eco Schools activities aim to be student-led initiatives, we understand the role of adult mentorship and also covet participation from the community at large.  If you find yourself drawn to any of the following Action Cards, consider volunteering to help out with our efforts.  

You may see the list of 2025-2026 Action Cards HERE and our school's choices below: 

SCHOOLYARD HABITAT CAMPAIGN ACTION CARDS

As you may know, we have chosen the Build a Pollinator Garden as the Focus Habitat of our SYH Campaign.  We must submit evidence of completion for the following Action Cards by the June deadline:

• SYH:  Engage the Community

• SYH:  Assess your Site

• SYH:  Design the Habitat

• SYH:  Build a Pollinator Garden (our choice of habitat)

• SYH:  Maintain the Habitat

MANDATORY ACTION CARDS

Outside of our Campaign work, EcoSchools requires several foundational Action Cards as part of the Certification process. These Action Cards help clarify why we participate in EcoSchools—not just what we do.

Certification is not the end goal. Our purpose is to take positive, sustainable action that builds sincere, meaningful, and reciprocal relationships with the natural world. We aim to give back to the land in ways that are genuinely helpful, to learn from nature, and to share that learning with others.  

• About your Eco Schools Program

• Create an Eco Code

OTHER ACTION CARD SELECTIONS

Below is a list of Action Cards that we are well-positioned to complete this year. In many cases, our school already engages in much of the work these Action Cards require. EcoSchools, however, challenges participants to take this work a step further.

Successful submission calls for advanced planning, thoughtful data collection and record-keeping, clear communication within and beyond our school community, and a strong maintenance plan to ensure lasting, sustainable change.

It is a meaningful challenge—but one that closely reflects the values of our Nature Connection program and the goals we hold for our school as a whole. This depth of commitment is what sets our school apart.  Please let us know if you would like to help with any of our Action Card efforts.  Community investment is an integral part of making positive change to support the natural world and the students, who are our future.

• Vermicomposting and School-Based Composting

• Create Wildlife Homes

• Species Diversity

• Bird-Friendly Schools

• Become a Citizen Scientist

• Days of Service

• Hosting a Monarch Town Hall

• Sit Spot

• Create School Field Guides

• Create an Endangered Species Coloring Book