PGCPS more than doubles its number of nationally recognized schools, leads Maryland with 28 of the state’s 37 honorees and earns four prestigious All-Star distinctions
September 4, 2026
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is celebrating a remarkable expansion of its commitment to whole-child health, with 28 schools named among the 2026 America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
The recognition represents more than double the number of PGCPS schools honored in 2025, when 13 schools earned a place on the national list. This year, PGCPS schools account for 28 of the 37 Maryland schools recognized, nearly 76% of all honorees statewide.
The national recognition celebrates schools that are creating healthier, more supportive learning environments through comprehensive approaches to student and staff well-being, including nutrition and food access, physical activity, school health services, mental health, staff wellness and family and community engagement.
Four PGCPS elementary schools including Carmody Hills, Melwood, Robert R. Gray and Springhill Lake earned the Alliance’s prestigious All-Star Award by achieving recognition across all nine health and wellness categories.
Only six schools statewide achieved the distinction, meaning four of Maryland’s six All-Star schools are in PGCPS.
The All-Star designation represents the highest level of recognition from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and recognizes schools demonstrating comprehensive commitment across nine areas of health and wellness.
Those areas include:
“This recognition is a reflection of the work happening every day in our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “Our schools are not simply talking about wellness, they are building it into the student experience, from what students eat and how they move to the relationships, supports and opportunities that help them feel connected and ready to learn.”
PGCPS leads all districts in Maryland for the number of schools recognized on the 2026 America’s Healthiest Schools list.
The 28 PGCPS schools recognized this year are:
The 2026 recognition builds on the momentum of the 13 PGCPS schools honored in 2025 and demonstrates the district’s growing focus on comprehensive wellness as part of the educational experience.
From nutritious meals and increased opportunities for physical activity to health services, mental health supports and partnerships that connect families with resources, PGCPS schools are taking a holistic approach to helping students thrive.
“This is what it looks like when wellness becomes part of the culture of a school,” Joseph said. “We are proud of every school recognized and especially proud of the educators, staff, students and families who make this work possible.”
The America’s Healthiest Schools recognition is presented by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to schools that demonstrate a commitment to advancing the health and well-being of students and staff through evidence-based practices and policies.
-30-
