Mission & Vision

The mission of the Environmental Charter School is to educate each student to high academic standards using innovative curricula that will foster knowledge, love of, and respect for the environment and preserve it for future generations. We grow citizens.

The Environmental Charter School envisions every one of its graduates being an actively engaged citizen driving thoughtful change in the world around them.

“As the world changes and becomes increasingly more complex, global citizens will need to be equipped with skills that allow them to be flexible thinkers, creative problem solvers, and effective leaders.”

-ECS Founding Principal, Jon McCann

Apply Today!

How is the Environmental Charter School Different

The Environmental Charter School serves students Kindergarten all the way through high school graduation. Some students start their learning adventure in our earliest grades and graduate after their senior year of high school. Others join us along the way. Regardless of where students start their journey, ECS offers a unique academic environment, serves as a place for all students and one that prides itself on building strong relationships.

ECS currently utilizes four school building: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8) and High (9-12). Learn more about Our Schools.

ECS has an innovated, environmental education based curriculum. Learn more about Our Academics.

Progressing from K to 12

The Environmental Charter School serves students Kindergarten all the way through high school graduation. In the earliest grades, students take advantage of our school's proximity to Frick Park. Through play and curiosity they learn about and engage the natural environment. As students move into the middle and high school, they spend more time learning about the built environment and its relationship to both the natural and social environment. By engaging in advocacy and action middle and high school students learn about the interconnections across the natural, build and social environments.

Providing a Unique Academic Environment

Being a Place for all Students

ECS supports an inclusion model, in a way that promotes equity for all. ECS welcomes and accommodates students who need special education or gifted services, and tailors instruction to meet individual needs. There are two teachers in most classrooms (averaging 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio), allowing students to get targeted support and enrichment.

Learn more about our approach to Special Education.

Establishing Strong Relationships

ECS serves the whole child -- keeping them healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. ECS employees are caring, engaged, and innovative, and they model the behavior we expect from our students. They are activists, leaders, and compassionate members of our community. Students “loop” with our teachers to build connection and consistency.

Learn more about our approach to Student Services.

ECS was established in 2008. Learn more about Our Story.

ECS values the Environment, Equity and Collaboration. Learn more about Our Values.

ECS Values Collaboration

ECS builds partnerships to grow our education impact internally, while also supporting the diverse fabric of organizations available in the city. Community connections and regional networks extend our educational opportunities for students and encourage our student body to recognize the vibrancy of our city. A list of many of our partners is below.