Thirty-Eight Fairfax County Public Schools Recognized for Supporting Military-Connected Families
Thirty-eight Fairfax County public schools have been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as 2024 Purple Star Schools.
The Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.
“I’m proud of FCPS’ strong partnership with our nation’s military families to help support the more than 13,500 military-connected students enrolled in our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Nearly half of Fairfax County public schools, 96, are currently designated as Purple Star Schools.
Earlier this fall, Dr. Reid announced a goal for FCPS to achieve Purple Star Division status by the end of the 2026-27 school year, with 100% of its schools being designated as Purple Star Schools.
Earlier this fall, Dr. Reid announced a goal for FCPS to achieve Purple Star Division status by the 2026-27 school year, with 100% of schools being designated as Purple Star Schools.
“The Purple Star Designation supports an inclusive and welcoming school culture for all students and families,” she said in the announcement. “Therefore, it is beneficial for ALL schools to have the designation, no matter what percentage of their student body is military-connected. At FCPS, one of our strengths is our wonderful diversity. We celebrate the unique qualities that each and every student brings to our community.”
Schools in FCPS recognized as 2024 Purple Star Schools for the first time include:
- Bren Mar Park Elementary School
- Bryant High School
- Bush Hill Elementary School
- Chantilly High School
- Cherry Run Elementary School
- Columbia Elementary School
- Cooper Middle School
- Deer Park Elementary School
- Dranesville Elementary School
- Fairfax High School
- Forestdale Elementary School
- Great Falls Elementary School
- Haycock Elementary School
- Hollin Meadows Elementary School
- John R. Lewis High School
- Little Run Elementary School
- Mount Eagle Elementary School
- Newington Forest Elementary School
- Oak View Elementary School
- Oakton High School
- Olde Creek Elementary School
- Pine Spring Elementary School
- Riverside Elementary School
- Waples Mill Elementary School
- White Oaks Elementary School
Being recognized for the second time are:
- Cameron Elementary School
- Island Creek Elementary School
- Keene Mill Elementary School
- Ravensworth Elementary School
- Union Mill Elementary School
Third-time recipients include:
- Clermont Elementary School
- Fairview Elementary School
- Flint Hill Elementary School
- Fort Belvoir Primary School
- Fort Belvoir Upper School
- Hunt Valley Elementary School
- Sangster Elementary School
- Waynewood Elementary School
This is the seventh year VDOE and the Virginia Council have designated Purple Star Schools. Once designated, Purple Star Schools retain the designation for three years before being required to reapply. FCPS’ eight third-time recipients have maintained their Purple Star status since the program began.
To qualify for a Purple Star, schools must have a staff member designated as the point of contact for military students and families. Schools must also demonstrate their commitment to meeting the needs of military students by engaging in professional learning and providing resources and programming on issues important to military families. Each Purple Star School must also have an active peer-led transition team, such as Student Ambassadors, to welcome new military-connected students and support their transition and connection to their new school community.
A positive school climate is part of FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
