27 MD Schools Earn Purple Star Designation From State: See The Full List

More than two dozen Maryland schools were recently honored by the state for their strong support of students from military families.

On Monday, the Maryland State Department of Education announced the 2026-2028 Purple Star Schools. The list includes 27 schools from seven districts.

Schools receiving the honor were recognized at Tuesday’s State Board of Education meeting.

“Our Purple Star Schools excel in serving the unique needs of our military-connected students and families,” State Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright said in a statement. “These school communities create welcoming environments, fostering a sense of support and belonging that provides the foundation for student success.”

To earn the Purple Star designation, schools must have a dedicated military liaison, provide accessible digital resources, offer a student-led transition program and ensure staff receive training on the unique needs of military families, according to the state.

This year’s Purple Star Schools include:

Anne Arundel County Public Schools

• Meade High School, Fort Meade
• MacArthur Middle School, Fort Meade
• Magothy River Middle School, Arnold
• West Meade Early Education Center, Fort Meade

Calvert County Public Schools

• Huntingtown High School, Huntingtown
• Patuxent High School, Lusby
• Southern Middle School, Lothian
• Barstow Elementary School, Prince Frederick
• Dowell Elementary School, Lusby
• Mount Harmony Elementary School, Owings
• Huntingtown Elementary School, Huntingtown
• Mutual Elementary School, Port Republic
• Sunderland Elementary School, Sunderland

Harford County Public Schools

• Roye-Williams Elementary School, Havre de Grace

Howard County Public School System

• Bellows Springs Elementary School, Ellicott City
• Veterans Elementary School, Ellicott City
• Thunder Hill Elementary School, Columbia

Prince George’s County Public Schools

• Melwood Elementary School, Upper Marlboro

Queen Anne’s County Public Schools

• Kent Island High School, Stevensville
• Queen Anne's County High School, Centreville
• Centreville Middle School, Centreville
• Matapeake Middle School, Stevensville
• Stevensville Middle School, Stevensville
• Sudlersville Middle School, Sudlersville

St. Mary’s County Public Schools

• Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School, Leonardtown
• Leonardtown Middle School, Leonardtown
• Park Hall Elementary School, Park Hall