The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recognized 13 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) as 2024 Virginia Purple Star schools, including eight first-time designees and five renewals. Schools earning this distinction must apply to renew their status every three years. These newly designated schools join 39 existing PWCS Purple Star schools, bringing the total to 47. This impressive achievement means that nearly half (49%) of all PWCS schools now hold the Purple Star Designation. The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite.
The following schools earned the Purple Star Designation for 2024. Those schools with an asterisk * have renewed their Purple Star Designation:
- Alvey Elementary School
- Ashland Elementary School*
- Cedar Point Elementary School
- Gar-Field High School
- King Elementary School
- Osbourn Park High School
- Parkside Middle School*
- Pattie Elementary School*
- Porter Traditional School*
- Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
- The Nokesville School
- Triangle Elementary School
- Tyler Elementary School*
Pattie and Tyler Elementary schools both earned the Purple Star Designation for the second time. Ashland Elementary, Parkside Middle, and Porter Traditional earned the Purple Star Designation for the third time.
“I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to each of the 13 schools that received the 2024 VDOE Purple Star Designation. When our military families see that a school is Purple Star designated, they can rest assured that their children are in an environment where they feel seen, supported, and valued. The commitment and hard work of these 13 schools is truly commendable. It's inspiring to see such dedication to providing a nurturing and inclusive space for our military-connected students,” said Kimberly Simpson, PWCS military achievement specialist.
PWCS has nearly 5,000 military-connected students enrolled and is committed to recognizing and supporting their unique educational journeys. These students often face frequent relocations, requiring them to adapt to new academic and social environments more frequently than their civilian peers. Additionally, many experience the stress of a parent's deployment, which can significantly impact them and their families. The Purple Star Designation program, adopted in numerous states, sets standards to designate military-friendly schools. It aims to address the unique academic and social-emotional challenges faced by military-connected students and their families.
“Virginia is now home to 484 active Purple Star distinguished schools. The programming, required by schools to receive the Purple Star award and maintain it, contributes greatly to fostering a safe and supportive school culture,” said Daniel Dunham, Virginia Department of Education military student and families specialist.
In total, 47 PWCS schools have received the Purple Star Designation since the program’s inception in the 2018-19 school year. For the full list of PWCS Purple Star schools, please visit the PWCS website.