Aldrin Elementary School students in Reston helped their school earn the highest sustainability certification in the country again, part of a record-breaking year in which Fairfax County Public Schools claimed nearly half of all Green Flag awards given nationwide.

FCPS announced on June 30 that 77 of its schools earned the Green Flag from the National Wildlife Federation's Eco-Schools U.S. program for the 2025-26 school year. That's more than any other school division in the country.

Aldrin, a returning winner, was among them. Lake Anne Elementary, also in Reston, earned the honor for the first time.

The Green Flag is the program's top tier, requiring 100 or more points and participation from at least 75% of the school community. Schools must re-certify every year.

At Aldrin, the infrastructure for the work is visible: the school at 11375 Center Harbor Rd maintains a Green Team and a school garden, both listed as special features in its FCPS profile. Principal Shane Wolfe leads the 450-student school, which serves pre-K through sixth grade.

A record year for FCPS

The 77 Green Flags mark a sharp climb. In the 2023-24 school year, 22 FCPS schools earned the distinction. The 2025-26 haul of 77 represents the district's largest total yet, with 38 schools earning the flag for the first time.

FCPS schools collected 86 Eco-Schools awards overall this cycle, including four Gold, four Silver and one Bronze in addition to the 77 Green Flags.

What students actually do

To earn the certification, students form Eco-Action Teams that conduct environmental audits of their school, develop action plans, implement solutions and measure results. FCPS and the National Wildlife Federation maintain a formal "Ignite" partnership through the Get2Green program, which launched in 2010 and now operates across participating FCPS schools.

What's next for Reston families

The next Eco-Schools certification cycle opens August 10, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year. Families at Aldrin or Lake Anne interested in joining their school's Green Team can contact the main office. Aldrin's number is 703-904-3800.