South Bay School District Earns Top 'Green Achiever' Honor

National School District recognized for environmental leadership and student-driven sustainability initiatives.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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National School District in South Bay, California, has been named one of the state's top 'Green Achiever' districts, receiving the prestigious Green Ribbon Award for its outstanding achievements in environmental conservation, health promotion, and environmental literacy. Over the past decade, the district has saved over 1 million gallons of water annually, diverted more than 1,000 tons of waste, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 13% through comprehensive operational upgrades and student-led sustainability projects.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights National School District's commitment to empowering students as environmental leaders and creating more sustainable, eco-friendly school campuses in a densely populated urban area with limited green spaces. The district's holistic approach to sustainability, from water and energy efficiency to waste reduction and environmental education, serves as a model for other schools looking to reduce their environmental impact and engage the next generation of environmental stewards.

The details

National School District's sustainability efforts span a wide range of initiatives, including using less harmful cleaning products, painting basketball courts with heat-reflecting materials, and developing curricula to prepare students to become environmental leaders. The district has also partnered with local organizations like Olivewood Gardens, Ocean Connectors, and Tree San Diego to incorporate hands-on learning and community-based projects into the school experience. Students have been actively involved, planting trees, tending school gardens, and working with the city on its climate action plan.

  • Over the last decade, the National City district has saved over 1 million gallons of water each year.
  • This year, Brady's student roundtable has partnered with National City on its five-year climate action plan to plant 1,600 trees citywide.
  • Last year, Brady brought four districts together at Fleet Science Center to host a collaboration on Earth Day, and this year six will convene.

The players

National School District

A school district in South Bay, California, that has been recognized as one of the state's top 'Green Achiever' districts for its outstanding achievements in environmental conservation, health promotion, and environmental literacy.

Leighangela Brady

The superintendent of National School District, who has led the district's comprehensive approach to sustainability and empowered students to be environmental leaders.

Olivewood Gardens

A local organization that has partnered with National School District to incorporate hands-on learning and community-based projects related to the environment and nutrition into the school experience.

Ocean Connectors

A local organization that has collaborated with National School District on environmental education and initiatives.

Tree San Diego

A local organization that has worked with National School District on tree-planting projects and urban greening efforts.

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What they’re saying

“We engaged the kids in being the voice of leadership and telling us what we needed.”

— Leighangela Brady, Superintendent, National School District (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“They feel like they're making a difference, like, 'I planted that tree.'”

— Leighangela Brady, Superintendent, National School District (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Students are not just taking the knowledge and learning and keeping it. They're also discussing the environmental issues their communities face, and how to tackle them.”

— Leighangela Brady, Superintendent, National School District (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

National School District plans to continue expanding its tree-planting efforts, with the goal of planting an additional 50-60 trees on school campuses this year in partnership with the student roundtable and local organizations.

The takeaway

National School District's comprehensive approach to sustainability, which empowers students as environmental leaders and integrates hands-on learning and community-based projects, serves as a model for how schools can foster the next generation of environmental stewards and make a tangible impact on their local communities and the planet.