RICHMOND —The Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children are recognizing 189 schools as “Purple Star” schools for the 2022-2023 school year. 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. The following private and parochial schools also earned 2022 Purple Star awards: Browne Academy, Christ the King Catholic School, Peninsula Catholic High, Portsmouth Catholic Regional School, Saint Bernadette Catholic School, Saint Francis of Assisi School, Saint John the Apostle Catholic School, Saint Pius X School, Star of the Sea Catholic School and Saint Mary Star of the Sea School.