Five PWCS schools earn national recognition as 2025 America’s Healthiest Schools

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation has named five Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) as 2025 America’s Healthiest Schools. Buckland Mills, Minnieville, Piney Branch, and Victory Elementary Schools, and Unity Braxton Middle School earned the national recognition for their outstanding commitment to student and staff wellness.

This year, 1,120 schools across 34 states and Washington, DC, were awarded this honor. In Virginia, a total of 11 schools were named America’s Healthiest Schools, with five of them being from PWCS.

This highly regarded, annual distinction is awarded to schools for demonstrating exceptional efforts to prioritize the essential health needs of the school community.

PWCS awardees were recognized in nine categories:

Buckland Mills Elementary School: School Health Services, Social-Emotional Health and Learning, Staff Well-Being, Family and Community Engagement

Minnieville Elementary School: School Health Services, Physical Education and Activity, Social-Emotional Health and Learning, Staff Well-Being

Piney Branch Elementary School: School Health Services, Nutrition and Food Access, Health Education, Tobacco-Free Schools, Staff Well-Being, Family and Community Engagement

Unity Braxton Middle School (All-Star Awardee): School Health Services, Local School Wellness Policy, Nutrition and Food Access, Physical Education and Activity, Health Education, Social-Emotional Health and Learning, Tobacco-Free Schools, Staff Well-Being, Family and Community Engagement.

Victory Elementary School: School Health Services, Local School Wellness Policy, Nutrition and Food Access, Physical Education and Activity, Health Education, Staff Well-Being, Family and Community Engagement

Healthier Generation Chief Executive Officer Kathy Higgins praised the awardees for their continued commitment to school health.

"Schools play a crucial role in positively shaping the health and well-being of our nation's youth, and they deserve national recognition for their outstanding efforts," she said. "The dedication of school leaders, educators, and staff to support the physical, emotional, and academic needs of their students is nothing short of extraordinary. Their commitment is creating healthier futures for children and communities alike."

For the full list of the 2025 America’s Healthiest Schools, please visit the Healthier Generation website.