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Community Roots Academy Honored by Angels and State of California
Laguna Niguel charter school named to Angels Adopt-A-School Program and received 2025 California Green Ribbon Schools Silver Level award
Students and staff at Community Roots Academy (CRA), a K-8 public charter school in Laguna Niguel, have reason to celebrate.
The school recently received a Silver Level award in the 2025 California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) awards program, according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
The school is also one of five Orange County elementary schools selected to participate in the Angels Adopt-A-School Program. The Orange County Department of Education and the program sponsor, Orange County Waste and Recycling (OCWR), recommended CRA to the Angels and the Angels Baseball Foundation to acknowledge its commitment to green initiatives that support waste diversion education among teachers, students, and families.
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The school received a $2,000 grant, a visit from an Angels’ player and announcers at a schoolwide assembly, an Adopt-a School banner, and free tickets to the game on May 8. At the game, teams of 5th -8th-grade CRA students will present their ideas on reducing environmental impact, improving stadium sustainability, or enhancing community outreach initiatives to Angels executives and CRA families in the centerfield pavilion.
The California Green Ribbon Schools Award program evaluates applications from public schools, districts, and county offices of education to recognize outstanding achievements in environmental excellence. Thurmond said 29 schools, seven school districts, and three county offices of education were honored this year.
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CRA was cited for its environmental excellence and demonstrated achievement in three pillars: reducing environmental impacts, improving health and wellness by promoting a healthy physical environment, and offering effective environmental and sustainability education. Last year, the school received a Silver Level award, and a Bonze Level award the year before.
“Our California Green Ribbon Schools exemplify the values of innovation, resiliency, and creativity that drive our efforts to make every school community a healthy and sustainable learning environment for our students.” Superintendent Thurmond said. “I congratulate each of these schools on your incredible accomplishments and contributions to our state.”
“We accept these honors on behalf of our students, families, and staff who have all worked so diligently to help make our integrated environmental education program a national model for excellence,” said CRA Co-founder and Executive Director of Operations Eve Fein.
Over a decade ago, CRA was established with one mission in mind: to create a free public charter school with a foundation rich in Project-Based Learning (PBL). Through this rigorous and dynamic curriculum, students are able to actively engage in their learning, inspire curiosity and foster a community filled with life-long learners. CRA has proudly made a significant impact on education and the local community.
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About Community Roots Academy
Community Roots Academy (CRA) is the premier K-8 public charter school in Orange County. Over a decade ago, CRA was established with one mission in mind: to create a free public charter school with a foundation rich in Project-Based Learning (PBL). Through this rigorous and dynamic curriculum, students are able to actively engage in their learning, inspire curiosity and foster a community filled with life-long learners. CRA has proudly made a significant impact on education and the local community. https://www.learningcommunitie...
