January 13, 2026
Prince George County Public Schools is proud to announce several district campuses have been recognized as Distinguished Purple Star Schools by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and The Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Virginia Council) for their commitment to supporting military-connected students and families on their campuses.
In November 2025, the VDOE announced four Prince George County schools were among nearly 300 across the commonwealth to be designated as Purple Star Award-winning schools. L.L. Beazley Elementary School, North Elementary School, and South Elementary School are now multi-year Purple Star Award-winning campuses, while Prince George High School earned its first designation as a Purple Star school, highlighting its deep roots to the military community via its JROTC program and close connection with Fort Lee, a historic military installation in the heart of Southside Virginia.
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 are honored with a Purple Star Award if they complete all required activities, plus one optional activity. The Virginia Department of Education’s Military Student Support Process Action Team (MSSPAT) reviews school applications for the award, with final approval on awards being made by the Virginia Council.
The latest recognition now sees seven of the district’s educational campuses, including all five of Prince George County’s elementary schools, J.E.J. Moore Middle School, and Prince George High School being named Purple Star Award winners for either their first time or consecutive recognitions.
On January 12, 2026, the Prince George County School Board welcomed staff from this year’s Purple Star award-winning schools to its regular business meeting, where they received special banners they can display at their campuses highlighting their accomplishment and warm congratulations from school board members.
“Seeing our schools be consistently recognized with the Virginia Department of Education’s Purple Star Award reflects our schools’ deep commitment to supporting military-connected students and families,” Division Superintendent Dr. Wayne Lyle said. “We are proud of the educators and staff who create welcoming environments that honor the unique experiences of our military families and ensure every student feels supported, valued, and prepared to succeed during their time with us. Our goals of supporting military students and families are bolstered by the strong partnership we share with Fort Lee. Through regular engagement with the base’s leadership and staff, our division has a seat at the table to discuss the needs and expectations of their community, and collaborate on key initiatives focused on ensuring our military-connected students learn and thrive in our schools.”
As of January 2026, the following PGCPS campuses are Purple Star Award-winning schools:
- L.L. Beazley Elementary School (Multi-Time)
- D.A. Harrison Elementary School (Multi-Time)
- Middle Road Elementary School (Multi-Time)
- North Elementary School (Multi-Time)
- South Elementary School (Multi-Time)
- J.E.J. Moore Middle School (First Time, 2023)
- Prince George High School (First Time, 2025)
To learn more about the Virginia Purple Star Designation Program, visit the Virginia Department of Education website by clicking HERE.