RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children are recognizing 123 schools as “Purple Star” schools. The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families. This is the second year VDOE and the Virginia Council have designated Purple Star schools. Six private schools also earned Purple Star designations. These schools are Browne Academy in Alexandria, Peninsula Catholic High School in Newport News, St. Pius X Catholic School in Norfolk, St. Francis of Assisi School in Triangle, and Chesapeake Bay Academy and Saint Mary Star of the Sea School in Hampton.