Climate Ready Classrooms: Research Study
assessment of PK–5 environmental education in San Diego County
How We’re Studying Environmental Education
This study uses a countywide survey of educators, parents, and students to provide valuable metrics and feedback about the current state of environmental education in the region, and pairs it with six-month case studies in 10 elementary schools that looks at the effects of exposure, frequency, and delivery method on the retention and engagement of young children and environmental studies.
What We’re Learning Across San Diego County
The study will capture responses from North County, South County, East County, and the City Center to profile the ways in which sustainability is currently taught in classrooms and out-of-school settings, map where access is strong or thin, and answer key questions about the best delivery models for kids’ nature and climate learning.
When Results Will Be Shared and Why They Matter
The estimated release date of the inaugural results is September 2026, with updates scheduled every two years. The anticipated outcome of the completed report is a comprehensive, data-driven baseline of the current climate and sustainability learning opportunities for all elementary students in the region, and pair it with metrics, interviews, and survey input that can answer key questions to help guide funding opportunities, build and strengthen partnerships, and grow on the work already being done to provide essential environmental programs to our young people.
Nominate Your School
Book Club Entry (in-class program)
Use this form to nominate a San Diego County classroom to be part of our 6-month case study starting January 2026.
After School Program Entry (outside of school hours)
Use this form to nominate a San Diego County classroom to be part of our 6-month case study starting January 2026.
Participants
County-Wide Assessment
(Participating schools in North County, South County, East County, and the City Center)
1,500-2,000 Survey Responses
will be collected (Educators, Administrators, Families, and Students)
400+ Students
will receive environmental education activities for FREE as part of our case studies and giveaways (feedback gathered where appropriate).
10 San Diego County Schools
will participate in 6-month case studies (schools receive environmental education curriculum as part of their participation)
25+ San Diego Teacher Case Studies
will be conducted through FREE Book Clubs and other environmental education curriculum (case studies & raffle prizes for survey participation)
Outcomes
Climate Ready Classrooms Report
(Comprehensive report and recommendations; estimated release date - Sept 2026)
Workshop/Conferences
Study findings & recommendations (Branded presentation deck to share during Webinars, Conferences, Workshops, etc)
Targeted Digital Outreach Strategy
Target survey respondents and share report findings (October 2025 - September 2026)
Website Landing Page
Access study participation links and final data from the San Diego County study (September 2025 launch)
Ongoing Research
Update to the study planned for 2028 (similar reports also planned for Cook County, Illinois and other southern California counties)
Timeline
August 2025 – Scope of Work
September 2025 – Build Survey, Begin Outreach
October 2025 – Research and Development Build Methodology, Surveys, and Case Studies
November 2025 – Research Methodology and Survey Review (Independent Advisory Committee)
December 2025 – Phase One: Launch Online Survey Outreach to San Diego Educators and Parents
January 2026 – Survey Outreach/Case Study Outreach
February 2026 – Survey Outreach/Case Study Outreach
March 2026 – Survey Outreach/Case Study Outreach
April 2026 – Survey Outreach/Case Study Setup
May 2026 – Survey Outreach/Case Study Setup
June 2026 – Phase Two: Case Studies Launch Baseline Knowledge Assessment
July 2026 – Case Studies/Classroom Visits
August 2026 – Case Studies/Classroom Visits
September 2026 – Close of Online Survey Compile and Interpret Results
October 2026 – Case Studies/Classroom Visits
November 2026 – Case Studies/Final Classroom Visits, Finalize Recommendations
December 2026 – Release Final SurveyReport: Share Results, Compile Report
Meet Our Advisory Committee
To ensure academic rigor, inclusivity, and practical applicability, Green Explorers Club has assembled a diverse Advisory Committee to review the study methodology, survey instruments, and the overall concept of this baseline study. The committee represents a broad range of expertise spanning higher education, K–12 instruction, ESL education, and school administration, offering a comprehensive lens on student engagement, curriculum development, and community inclusion.
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Dr. Grace Lauchmen-Fantaroni
Professor of Education, Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego)
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Dr. Zaneta Encarnacion
Chief of Staff, Office of the President, Southwestern College; Ed.D. in Diversity and Inclusion (Chula Vista)
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Lynn Gilbertsen
Board President and Veteran K–12 Educator (Chicago)
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Brenda Bressan
ESL Professor with International Teaching Experience at All Grade Levels (Malta)
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Maura Deptula
Director of Marketing, Gaggle and Former Director of Admissions, Intercultural Montessori Language School (Chicago)
Help Fund Our Research
With your support, we can conduct the first-ever countywide assessment of environmental education for PK–5 students in San Diego.
The results will help expand access, improve programs, and give more kids the chance to build a strong foundation in environmental literacy.