Brentwood Middle and High School has advanced to the Seedling level of the Missouri Green Schools program, recognizing continued progress in sustainability, environmental education and creating a healthier school community.

The middle and high school campus moved from the program’s Sprout level in 2025 to Seedling this year. Seedling schools build upon their previous sustainability efforts by continuing to track progress and advance green and healthy practices while also incorporating nature-based education into student learning.

Brentwood’s progress is supported by its Green Team, led by middle school teachers Sarah Pfeifer and Emily Williamson, and includes efforts that connect sustainability with hands-on learning and community involvement.

“What we love about this work is seeing our students take what they’re learning and turn it into something that makes a difference in their school and community,” said Pfeifer and Williamson. “Whether they’re exploring STEM alongside community members or thinking about greener ways to get where they need to go, they’re learning that even small actions can have a meaningful impact.”

During the past year, Brentwood’s sustainability efforts included a community STEM education initiative that engaged more than 300 participants and a plastic bag collection that gathered 1,000 pounds of material to be recycled into a bench for the school. With a majority of students walking or biking to school each day, the campus also continued to emphasize active, community-based transportation.

Missouri Green Schools recognized 58 schools in 2026 for their commitment to improving health and wellness, increasing environmental literacy and lowering environmental impact. The statewide recognition and support program, managed by the Missouri Gateway Green Building Council, provides professional development and resources to help participating schools incorporate sustainability into academics, school culture and their buildings and grounds.

“We are thrilled to see our highest number of enrollees since Missouri Green Schools began in 2021, and we are proud to recognize the schools who made significant progress in their sustainability journeys over the past school year,” said Deborah Rogers Curtis, Green Schools coordinator for Missouri Green Schools.

Brentwood Middle and High School will continue building on its progress as students and staff track achievements, set new goals and look for additional ways to make a positive impact on their school and community.