Join us in celebrating National Healthy Schools Day, starting April 13!

For Children, Health, Environment, Education, & Communities

Founded in 1995, Healthy Schools Network is an award-winning 501(c)3 that has fostered the national healthy school environments movement.

Join us in celebrating National Healthy Schools Day, starting April 13!

Latest News & Updates

Two children enjoying a peaceful moment by a riverbank in spring

NewsSlice

Reconnecting Children with Nature: A Pathway to Better Health and Learning

A growing body of research in environmental health and psychology demonstrates that access to natural environments plays a critical role in supporting children’s cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

Healthy Schools Network May 1, 2026

National Healthy Schools Day

National Healthy Schools Day 2026 Marks 30 Years of the Healthy Schools Movement

Healthy Schools Network and the Coalition for Healthier Schools will mark the 30th anniversary of the healthy schools movement by featuring a national speaker series and expert panels on April 13–17, 2026.

Healthy Schools Network March 20, 2026

Apple on teachers desk

NewsSlice

A Victory for Healthy Schools!

EPA’s School Environment Health Program Supported by Congress There has been little to celebrate

Healthy Schools Network February 4, 2026

Student celebrating in a library

NewsSlice

We Can Help You Find the RIGHT Support for Environmental Health at School

Healthy Schools Network is enhancing its Information and Referral Clearinghouse to strengthen our support to

Healthy Schools Network January 21, 2026

Jennifer Lemon

Healthy Schools

A Stronger Network for 2026 and Beyond

New Year, new team members! We’re excited to kick off 2026 by welcoming Jennifer Lemon and Maggie Snipes to Healthy Schools Network!

Healthy Schools Network January 7, 2026

Group of Students with Their Teacher

NewsSlice

EPA Vows to Continue Key Programs for Children’s Health and Schools

Funding and staffing for indoor air and childrens health programs are expected to be maintained or possibly strengthened.

Healthy Schools Network December 11, 2025

Stay Connected!

Join our mailing list to stay on top of the latest news and issues concerning healthy schools

What You Can Do

What to Think About

First, visit your school. See our Tips for School Building Visits and Tours

Your school has environmental problems if:

Personnel and or students have health problems when they are in the building
The roof leaks or the building or its site has been flooded
The building is new or newly renovated and still smells like paint, varnish, or glue
or there was a chemical spill at school
The building smells damp or musty or smells like sewage
Your child has health or learning problems ONLY during school days
Hint: track your child’s symptoms on a calendar
The building and grounds are routinely treated with disinfectants or pesticides/herbicides

Start a Local Group

If your school does not have or decides not to appoint a healthy schools committee that represents parents and staff, start your own committee.

Local groups do not need to be incorporated, but groups need to stick together and speak with one voice.
As a group, pick the issues you want to work on first. Your mission: every child and school employee should have an environmentally safe and healthy school.
Ask others to join. Investigate together, and share information with your group.
Write letters about the issue (what it is, the impact, how to fix, request written response), keep copies, and track responses.
See change happen. Celebrate.
Say thank you!

Common starting issues: eliminate toxic products; stop bus idling; improve indoor air quality/ventilation; reduce dampness and stop molds; eliminate lead in paint and water.

Start a State Coalition

Call Healthy Schools Network for advice on establishing a multi-stakeholder coalition and preparing an agenda for root policy reforms.

Translate »