LEONARDTOWN, Md. – Three St. Mary’s County Public Schools—Hollywood Elementary, Leonardtown Elementary, and Leonardtown High School—have been named Maryland Purple Star Schools for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years by the Maryland State Department of Education. The designation recognizes their commitment to supporting military-connected students and families, joining 23 schools statewide in earning this honor.
The Purple Star School designation highlights schools that create welcoming, supportive environments for military families, enhancing community engagement and school reputation. Hollywood Elementary, Leonardtown Elementary, and Leonardtown High School met the rigorous criteria outlined in the Maryland State Board of Education’s Purple Star Schools Program, adopted in February 2023. These criteria include maintaining a military liaison, providing digital resources, offering a peer-led transition program, and conducting staff training.
Dr. J. Scott Smith, superintendent of schools, praised the schools’ efforts. “It is exciting to have Hollywood Elementary, Leonardtown Elementary, and Leonardtown High School recognized for their dedication and supportive environment for military-connected students, in addition to Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary, which was recognized last year,” Smith said.
The Purple Star designation reflects the schools’ proactive measures to address the unique needs of military-connected students, such as frequent relocations and transitions. Hollywood Elementary, located near Naval Air Station Patuxent River, serves a significant number of military families. Leonardtown Elementary and Leonardtown High School, both in the county seat, implement programs to ease transitions, including peer-led initiatives that help new students adjust. Staff training ensures educators are equipped to support these students academically and socially.
The Maryland Purple Star Schools Program, established under COMAR 13A.06.10, requires schools to demonstrate a sustained commitment to military families. The four mandatory criteria ensure schools provide comprehensive support, from accessible online resources to dedicated liaisons who connect families with services. Only 23 schools across Maryland, including the three from St. Mary’s County, achieved this distinction for the upcoming two school years, underscoring the selectivity of the program.
St. Mary’s County, home to a large military population due to its proximity to naval installations, benefits from schools that prioritize military-connected students. Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary, recognized as a Purple Star School in 2024, set a precedent for the county’s commitment. The addition of Hollywood, Leonardtown Elementary, and Leonardtown High School strengthens this legacy, fostering inclusivity and support.
The Purple Star designation not only honors the schools’ efforts but also enhances their appeal to military families relocating to the area. By meeting the state’s criteria, these schools demonstrate a model for others in Maryland, where military installations like Joint Base Andrews and Fort Meade also generate significant numbers of military-connected students. The recognition positions St. Mary’s County Public Schools as leaders in supporting this vital community, ensuring military families feel valued and integrated.