27 Maryland Schools Honored for Exceptional Support of Military Families

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has announced the recipients of the 2026-2028 Purple Star Schools designation, recognizing 27 schools across seven county school systems for their outstanding commitment to supporting students with military connections. This initiative highlights schools that go above and beyond in providing resources and a welcoming environment for children of service members. The honorees will be formally acknowledged at an upcoming State Board of Education meeting.

To achieve the prestigious Purple Star School status, institutions must meet specific criteria demonstrating their dedication to military-connected students. These requirements include appointing a dedicated military liaison to assist families, ensuring readily available digital resources, implementing a student-led transition program to ease the integration of new students, and providing staff training on the unique challenges and needs faced by military families. The Purple Star program is a national recognition initiative that Maryland joined in 2023.

This year’s recognized school systems and their designated schools are: Anne Arundel County Public Schools, which includes Meade High School, MacArthur Middle School, Magothy River Middle School, and West Meade Early Education Center. Calvert County Public Schools has six schools on the list: Huntingtown High School, Patuxent High School, Southern Middle School, Barstow Elementary School, Dowell Elementary School, Mount Harmony Elementary School, Huntingtown Elementary School, Mutual Elementary School, and Sunderland Middle School. In Harford County, Roye-Williams Elementary School earned the designation.

Howard County Public School System is represented by Bellows Springs Elementary School, Veterans Elementary School, and Thunder Hill Elementary School. Prince George’s County Public Schools has Melwood Elementary School on the list. Queen Anne’s County Public Schools will see Kent Island High School, Queen Anne’s County High School, Centreville Middle School, Matapeake Middle School, Stevensville Middle School, and Sudlersville Elementary School recognized. Finally, St. Mary’s County Public Schools has three honorees: Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School, Leonardtown Middle School, and Park Hall Elementary School. These schools will serve as examples of how educational institutions can foster a sense of belonging and provide essential support for students whose families dedicate themselves to national service.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland State Department of Education

---