7 Prince William County Schools Named Among America’s Healthiest Schools

MANASSAS, VA — Seven Prince William County schools were the only Virginia public schools ranked on Alliance for a Healthier Generation's list of America’s Healthiest Schools in 2024.

The list recognized 879 schools in 30 states for introducing practices to support the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of students, staff and families. Schools were able to apply to be recognized in nine categories: strengthening social-emotional health and learning, cultivating staff well-being, increasing family and community engagement, improving nutrition and food access, implementing local school wellness policy, bolstering physical education and activity, enriching health education, promoting tobacco-free schools, and supporting school health services. There were 66 schools earning the all-star status from recognition in all nine categories.

"As educators across the nation grapple with challenges from historic levels of chronic absenteeism to a youth mental health crisis, America’s Healthiest Schools serve as models of resilience and determination," said Healthier Generation CEO Kathy Higgins. "With support from Healthier Generation’s resources and staff, these award-winning schools are implementing best practices and policies to better serve their learning communities."

Prince William County public schools recognized in the ranking were Ashland Elementary School in Manassas, Buckland Mills Elementary School in Gainesville, Kilby Elementary School in Woodbridge, Minnieville Elementary School in Woodbridge, Parkside Middle School in Manassas, Piney Branch Elementary School in Bristow and Victory Elementary School in Bristow.

Piney Branch Elementary School scored recognitions in eight of the nine categories, while Victory Elementary School had seven category recognitions. Kilby Elementary School had six, Parkside Elementary School had three, Ashland Elementary School and Minnieville Elementary School each had two, and Buckland Mills Elementary School had one.

The other Virginia school in the ranking was Vienna's Our Lady of Good Counsel School, which is part of the Diocese of Arlington Catholic Schools.