April 28, 2025
Saint Francis High School is honored as one of just five schools in California to be recognized as a 2025 California Green Ribbon School (CA-GRS) Green Achiever.
This top-tier designation celebrates the school’s outstanding efforts in minimizing environmental impact, promoting health and wellness, and delivering impactful environmental education.
The award acknowledges individual schools and school districts for their environmental excellence and commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability. Saint Francis earned this recognition by implementing a wide range of initiatives and improvements, all grounded in efficient planning to meet long-term goals.
"This recognition as a 2025 California Green Ribbon School is a testament to the collective commitment of our students and educators to create a campus of care, responsibility and innovation," said Katie Teekell, principal of Saint Francis High School. "Our work to improve energy efficiency, promote student wellness and integrate environmental literacy into learning is about preparing students not just for academic success, but for thoughtful, sustainable leadership in the world."
Reduce Environmental Impact and Costs
Saint Francis made measurable progress in decreasing its ecological footprint. The school achieved an 11.3% reduction in energy usage since 2016 through extensive retrofitting, Title 24-compliant construction and the installation of solar panels now supplying 51% of its energy needs. New LEED Silver-certified buildings, auto-dimming LED lighting, advanced HVAC systems and heat-reflective roofs further boost energy efficiency. Water use has been reduced by 10% across campus through low-flow fixtures, drip irrigation, bioswales and drought-resistant landscaping. A campus well also supports water-saving efforts. Waste diversion efforts include expanded composting and recycling programs, while the Sustainable Transportation Program encourages carpooling, biking and use of EV charging stations.
Improve Health and Wellness
The recent facility upgrades prioritize physical and mental well-being. Ventilation systems are equipped with MERV-13 filters, noise-reduction features and modern lab safety protocols that contribute to a healthier environment. The replacement of grass fields with artificial turf and bioswales reduces pesticide use and water waste. Wellness is integrated into the school culture through a comprehensive Health and Fitness course for freshmen, regular retreats, a robust advisory program focused on social-emotional learning and campus-wide access to a dedicated Wellness Center and Counseling Office.
Provide Effective Environmental Education
Environmental literacy is embedded throughout the academic experience. Students engage in real world problem-solving through courses like AP Environmental Science, as well as cross-curricular sustainability themes in subjects like Economics and Religious Studies. Programs like Earth Week, the Environmental Club and participation in the California Coastal Cleanup Day allow students to advocate for change. Additionally, the Immersion Program offers global and local service opportunities, reinforcing ethical stewardship and civic engagement.
Reflecting on the school’s sustainability work, Jennifer Thomas, science department chair, emphasized the importance of empowering students with practical experience.
"Our students are passionate about understanding the science behind sustainability and using that knowledge to make a real difference. From solar energy systems to campus composting, the work we’ve done at Saint Francis isn’t just theoretical. It’s hands-on, relevant and deeply empowering for students who want to be part of the solution to today’s environmental challenges," she said.
Award Ceremony Live Stream
The San Mateo County Office of Education will host a live stream for the California Green Ribbon Schools Award Ceremony on Wednesday, April 30, at 1:00 p.m. PDT via Zoom. Register for the live stream here.
For more information about the California Green Ribbon Schools Award Program, please visit the California Department of Education's website at www.cde.ca.gov.
About Saint Francis High School
Founded in 1955 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, Saint Francis High School is a leading co-educational, diverse, Catholic, college preparatory school focused on educating the whole person. With a proven reputation for excellence in academics, athletics and the arts, the 118-member teaching staff prepare approximately 1,760 Saint Francis students for the rigors of college and the challenges of global citizenship in the enduring Holy Cross tradition. Saint Francis offers 162 courses in a traditional college preparatory curriculum spread across ten academic departments. Saint Francis is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association, the College Board and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors. Located in Mountain View, California, Saint Francis High School is in the heart of Silicon Valley. For more information, visit www.sfhs.com.
Media Contact
Jamie Ceccato Perkins ‘97
Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
650 968-1213 ext. 318