Hampton City Schools earns second consecutive Purple Star Division Designation, with all 31 schools recognized and six earning second designations

Hampton City Schools (HCS) has earned its second consecutive Purple Star Division Designation, reaffirming its commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. For the second consecutive year, all 31 HCS schools have been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as Purple Star designated schools. This divisionwide achievement reflects HCS’s ongoing commitment to fostering welcoming, supportive, and responsive learning environments that address the unique needs of military-connected students.

The Purple Star designation recognizes schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students through dedicated programs, staff training, and community engagement. Schools retain the designation for three years before reapplying.

To earn and maintain Purple Star Division status, every school within a school division must hold an active Purple Star School Designation. The division’s continued recognition reflects the collective efforts of school leaders, educators, staff members, military partners, and community organizations working together to support students and families navigating the unique experiences associated with military life.

“Earning the Purple Star Division Designation for a second consecutive year is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the intentional work taking place throughout HCS to support our military-connected students and their families,” said Dr. Raymond Haynes, superintendent of Hampton City Schools. “Military families make significant contributions to our community, and we recognize the unique transitions and challenges their children may experience. By fostering strong school and community partnerships and ensuring our educators understand the needs of military-connected students, we are reaffirming our commitment to making every HCS school a place where these students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.”

As part of the 2026–2027 award year, six Hampton City schools earned their second Purple Star School Designation, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting military-connected students and families. These schools are:

• Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology
• Langley Elementary School
• Machen Elementary School
• Smith Elementary School
• Phenix PreK-8 School
• Syms Middle School

These six schools join five additional Hampton City schools that previously earned a second designation, bringing the total to 11 schools recognized for earning the Purple Star designation a second time since 2022-2023. Together, these schools demonstrate the sustained commitment of HCS educators and staff to creating supportive educational experiences for military-connected students.

HCS serves all branches of military-connected families throughout the Hampton community, including those affiliated with Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Through school-based support, professional development, and collaboration with military and community partners, HCS continues to strengthen its capacity to meet the needs of students whose families serve our nation.

The Purple Star Division Designation represents more than recognition. It reflects an ongoing promise to honor military service by supporting the educational success and well-being of the students and families who serve alongside those who serve our nation. HCS will continue to build on this foundation by strengthening partnerships, increasing awareness of military-connected student needs, and ensuring families have access to meaningful support throughout their educational journey.