Independent/Private Schools

Developing Environmental Leadership and Rewarding Excellence

EcoSchools certification represents environmental excellence for kindergarten through grade 12 schools in Canada. Participation in the program allows students, teachers, school administrators, custodians, and parents to get a clear picture of their current environmental practices and take action to reduce their environmental footprint.

Our program provides your school with a framework along with curriculum-connected resources, action guides, campaign kits and access to our online platform where teachers, administrators and students can measure their impact. At the end of the year, schools apply for certification and are awarded with a final certification level ranging from Bronze to Platinum.

Independent and Private School Membership

Program benefits

Certification through the EcoSchools program can:

  • Provide a framework to help independent/private schools plan, set, and meet sustainability targets.
  • Build student leadership by offering opportunities to create environmental action plans, run EcoTeam meetings and projects, organize and deliver campaigns and whole-school initiatives, and engage other students, teachers, educators, administration, parents, and community partners.
  • Give schools access to an extensive international network of over 51,000 EcoSchools and 19 million students in 74 countries around the world.

“EcoSchools Canada has provided Pickering College with an excellent format to audit our green initiatives and practices. The year-end reports provide us with clear insight into our successes, and where we need to focus on improvement. Because of this program, our school community continues to strive toward an increased consciousness of sustainability.”

– Noeline Burk, Heads of Arts, Senior Faculty, Pickering College

Independent/Private Schools FAQ

Is there a cost to certify? Can I get a free trial?

Yes to both! Independent/private schools pay an annual fee of up to $1,000 to apply for certification and access the online EcoSchools Certification Application (ECA). If you are a smaller independent school (under 50 students) or if our price is a barrier to participation please contact us to discuss further options. All schools are welcome to a 30-day free trial, contact us at programs@ecoschools.ca to set one up for your school.

What are the benefits of becoming an EcoSchool?

Independent schools receive a wide range of benefits including:

    • Enhanced certification support: Receive year-round support from an EcoCoach, an experienced member of our Programs team who can help answer questions from your EcoTeam, share best practices, and help take your environmental actions to the next level. 
    • Tailored support tools and resources: Access tailored content to support environmental learning and action at your school. These include a School Sustainability Review, Certification Guide, Annual Calendar, curriculum-linked resources, communications materials, webinars, and more.
    • Shareable resources and year-end celebration package: All independent and private schools that submit an EcoSchools application will receive access to an end-of-year digital celebration package, including customized communications materials and recognition materials. 
    • Custom impact report: All independent and private schools that submit an EcoSchools application will receive a customized impact report, highlighting key year-end stats, SDG connections, and suggested next steps.
    • National and international recognition: EcoSchools Canada certification is internationally recognized through our affiliate membership with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

How are schools recognized for their achievement?

Throughout the school year, schools complete actions in their online application and earn points towards their certification. The depth and extent of these completed environmental actions will determine the school’s final certification level. 

There are four levels of certification a school can achieve: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Schools that don’t earn enough points to be certified at the Bronze level but attempt and submit at least three actions are designated as Participants and are welcome to attempt certification again the following year.

When a school becomes a certified EcoSchool, they receive a digital certification seal that reflects their certification level. Schools are also welcome to recognize their accomplishments in their school with a plaque, banner or other physical representation of their achievement.