a boy hugs his mom, who's wearing a uniform, in front of a thank you veterans sign

Thirty-Eight Fairfax County Public Schools Recognized for Supporting Military-Connected Families

By Office of Communications
FCPS News
November 08, 2024

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:

Dr. Reid talks to kids. A flag is painted in the background

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.