Eco-Schools(R)
Program
"The progress of our island will depend on whether out students are well educated" - OPAS
Eco-Schools is an international program that helps schools to integrate sustainability and environmental education into their educational and management models, thus changing attitudes among society. By means of a seven-step program, it takes learning beyond the classroom, spreading knowledge and attitudes of social and environmental responsibility among its participants. It shows children and young people how to identify, analyze and solve environmental and social problems in order to promote sustainable development in their school, community and country.
With the help of this program, children and young people acquire new knowledge and develop their leadership skills as they take individual decisions and actions on a daily basis in their schools. Each student’s immediate family also sees the benefits of the education and training that the student receives and shares. The execution of the methodology also motivates them to win the award for their school and earn the prestige that comes with receiving the “Green Flag”.
Eco Schools is a program that:
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Combines practical experiences with learning.
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Develops a sense of responsibility among students and school staff.
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Involves students in socio-environmental matters.
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Strengthens teachers’ skills in eco-pedagogy.
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Enables schools to become sustainable.
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Includes the local community.
Awarded Green Flag Schools 2025–2026
We proudly congratulate the 12 Eco-Schools that have earned the international Green Flag distinction, recognizing their ongoing commitment to environmental education and school sustainability:
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Colegio Nuestra Señora del Carmen
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Colegio San José
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Family Christian Academy
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Escuela Alianza del Deporte
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Escuela Montessori Guillermo Riefkohl
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The School of San Juan
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Escuela Especializada en Ballet Julián E. Blanco
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Escuela Especializada en Matemáticas, Ciencias y Tecnología
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Escuela Josefita Monserrate de Sellés
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Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola
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Colegio Puertorriqueño de Niñas
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Escuela Nueva Brígida Álvarez Rodríguez
These institutions have demonstrated environmental leadership, active participation from their school communities, and compliance with the program’s seven methodological steps. Their dedication significantly contributes to shaping citizens committed to a more sustainable future for Puerto Rico.
Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC)
OPAS was awarded the EJ4Climate grant by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) in 2023 to adapt the Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC) climate change and resilience curriculum, originally developed by the National Wildlife Federation, for implementation in Puerto Rico.
As part of the project, two Eco-Schools in Loíza—Jesusa Vizcarrondo and Belén Blanco—participated in the adaptation process. The curriculum was tailored to Puerto Rico's environmental, cultural, and educational context to help students identify local climate risks and develop resilience and adaptation strategies for their communities.
Thanks to additional funding from FEMA, provided through the National Wildlife Federation, the curriculum was later streamlined into a condensed and more flexible format, making it easier for teachers to integrate its lessons into the regular school curriculum while maintaining its experiential and community-based learning approach.
In June 2026, the simplified curriculum was piloted during the Resilient Schools and Communities Summer Workshop at Guillermo Riefkohl Eco-School in Patillas. Two teachers implemented the curriculum with support from OPAS staff, engaging 15 students from grades 2 through 12 in an intensive four-day learning experience focused on climate change, resilience, adaptation, emergency preparedness, renewable energy, and extreme heat.
The curriculum is currently undergoing validation and continuous improvement based on feedback from educators and students. We invite teachers to explore the curriculum, pilot it in their classrooms, and share their experiences and recommendations. Your feedback will help us strengthen this educational resource and expand climate resilience education across Puerto Rico.
Help us inspire the next generation of climate leaders. Explore the curriculum, share your feedback, or support with your donation the expansion of RiSC to more schools across Puerto Rico.
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