PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) is proud to announce that nine of its schools have been awarded the prestigious Purple Star School designation by the Maryland State Department of Education for 2026. This honor recognizes schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
Established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2022, the Purple Star Schools Program identifies schools that go above and beyond to provide welcoming, supportive environments and smooth transitions for military families. Maryland is one of 42 states to implement a Purple Star initiative, and this year’s designation was awarded to only 27 schools across seven local education agencies.
Calvert County again leads the state with the most newly awarded Purple Star Schools in 2026:
• Barstow Elementary School
• Dowell Elementary School
• Huntingtown Elementary School
• Huntingtown High School
• Mt. Harmony Elementary School
• Mutual Elementary School
• Patuxent High School
• Southern Middle School
• Sunderland Elementary School
Additionally, ten CCPS schools (Beach Elementary, Calvert Elementary, Calvert High School, Calvert Career & Technology Academy, Northern High School, Northern Middle School, Patuxent Appeal Elementary Campus, Plum Point Elementary, St. Leonard Elementary, and Windy Hill Elementary) were awarded the Purple Star School designation in 2025 and proudly maintain their Purple Star status. Of note, Mount Harmony Elementary School was awarded the Purple Star School designation in 2024 and earned a redesignation in 2026 for their outstanding efforts to support military-connected students.
To earn this designation, schools must meet rigorous criteria that demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to military-connected students. This includes appointing a dedicated military liaison to support students and their families, providing accessible digital resources specifically tailored for military families, implementing student-led transition programs to help new students acclimate, and ensuring that staff receive training on the unique challenges military-connected students may face.
For more information about CCPS’s services for military-connected families, visit https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/student-services/military-families.
About CCPS
Calvert County Public Schools is a top performing school district in Maryland and serves approximately 15,000 students throughout Calvert County. The school district is composed of 12 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 4 high schools, the Career & Technology Academy, and the Calvert Country School. All CCPS schools are certified Maryland Green Schools. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.calvertnet.k12.md.us.