Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) achieved full participation in the Michigan Green Schools program for the 2025-2026 school year. Every building in the district earned an environmental stewardship designation, making TCAPS one of only two districts in the state, alongside Haslett Public Schools, to reach this 100% certification milestone.
To qualify for this program, schools must document a minimum of 10 approved environmental activities. TCAPS buildings achieved a variety of rankings based on their level of involvement:
Evergreen Status (20+ activities): Westwoods Elementary and Traverse City High School.
Emerald Status (15-19 activities): Traverse City West Senior High, Eastern Elementary, Traverse City Central High, and TCAPS Montessori.
Green Status (10-14 activities): Long Lake, Silver Lake, Blair, Courtade, Cherry Knoll, Traverse Heights, Central Grade, and Willow Hill Elementary schools, along with East Middle School and West Middle Schools.
"Earning districtwide certification is a proud moment for TCAPS," says Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner. "It highlights the incredible work of our students and staff to integrate sustainable practices into our daily school culture across all of our buildings."
This achievement reflects a unified commitment to protecting Michigan’s natural resources through education and action. By reaching full certification, TCAPS ensures that every student across the district is engaged in meaningful sustainability efforts that benefit the entire Traverse City community.