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2025-26 Purple Star Awards

The York County School Division is proud to once again be recognized for our collective commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. This year, 11 YCSD schools renewed their distinction as Purple Star Schools, making YCSD one of six school divisions to achieve Purple Star division status, and one of only three to achieve the status multiple times.

Each year, the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children announce the schools earning Purple Star designation. The title is awarded to schools demonstrating a strong commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students through programs, staff training, and community engagement. Schools retain the designation for three years before reapplying.

The Purple Star distinction reflects TeamYCSD's dedication to a supportive culture where every student can Embrace new experiences, Engage in learning, and be Empowered to succeed, no matter where military service takes their family. The YCSD schools earning a Purple Star designation for the 2025-26 school year include:

Bethel Manor Elementary School ***
Grafton Middle School ***
Mt. Vernon Elementary School **
Queens Lake Middle School **
Seaford Elementary School **
Tabb Elementary School ***
Waller Mill Elementary Fine Arts Magnet ***
York High School **
York River Academy **
Yorktown Elementary School ***
Yorktown Middle School ***

Those with two asterisks (**) are receiving their second Purple Star award, and those with three asterisks (***) are receiving their third award.