Achilles Elementary and Gloucester High School are two of 59 Virginia schools being recognized as “Purple Star” schools by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

The Purple Star designation is awarded to military friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connectedstudents and their families. 

To qualify for a Purple Star, schools must have a trained staff member designated as a primary point of contact for military families and students. The point of contact also serves as a liaison between the school and local military communities. 

Schools must also demonstrate their commitment to meeting the needs of military students by providing resources and programming on issues important to military families, such as transitions and academic planning.

“Virginia is committed to minimizing the impact of the inevitabl...