Hampton City Schools achieves 100% Purple Star Designation

Hampton City Schools (HCS) has been named a Purple Star School Division, marking the first time that 100% of its schools have earned the prestigious Purple Star designation. A total of 31 HCS schools are now designated. To reach and maintain Purple Star division status, all schools in the school division must have an active Purple Star School Designation.

 

The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate 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.  

 

During the 2025–2026 application window, 20 Hampton City Schools submitted applications—15 as first-time designees and five as renewals. An additional six schools did not need to reapply this year, bringing the division’s total to 31 Purple Star schools. This continued recognition highlights the division’s ongoing commitment to supporting military-connected students and families.

 

1st Time Designation

Aberdeen Elementary School

Asbury Elementary School

Bassette Elementary School

Bethel High School

Bryan Elementary School

Christian Elementary School

Forrest Elementary School

Hampton High School

Jackson Elementary School

Kraft Elementary School

Lindsay Middle School

Moton Early Childhood Center

Patrick Elementary School

Peake Elementary School

Phillips Elementary School

 

2nd Time Designation

Armstrong School for the Arts

Burbank Elementary School

Eaton Fundamental Middle School

Jones Magnet Middle School

Kecoughtan High School

 

Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes shared, “We are honored that Hampton City Schools has been designated a Purple Star school division. This recognition reflects our deep commitment to the military-connected students and families who are such an important part of our community. With Hampton being the home of Joint Base Langley-Eustis and other installations in close proximity, our military partnerships truly strengthen who we are as a division. This honor also speaks to our collective effort to live by our mantra—One Community, One Transformation: Excellence with Intentionality. Together, we are building a culture of care, connection, and excellence for every student.”

 

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children have recognized 288 public and private schools across the Commonwealth as Purple Star Schools for their commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. This year’s honorees include 78 schools receiving the Purple Star designation for a second time and 92 schools earning the designation for a third time. 

 

Virginia is home to several of the nation’s largest military installations and currently serves more than 77,000 school-age military-connected students in public schools. This number does not include children of veterans attending public or private schools, who also deserve recognition and support.