We’re proud to announce that five schools across Virginia have earned National Banner recognition from Special Olympics North America in 2025!
National Banner recognition is the highest honor for a Special Olympics Unified Champion School®. To receive this distinction, a school must meet 10 national standards of excellence, developed by a panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community. These standards highlight a school’s commitment to inclusion through:
- Special Olympics Unified Sports® – students with and without intellectual disabilities training and competing as teammates.
- Inclusive Youth Leadership – students of all abilities leading together.
- Whole-School Engagement – activities that promote collaboration, respect, and inclusion schoolwide.
Schools that achieve this recognition create inclusive climates that are built to last. They reapply every four years to demonstrate they are sustaining the 10 standards over time.
This year’s Virginia National Banner Schools are:
- Carter G. Woodson High School (Potomac)*
- Bush Hill Elementary School (Potomac)*
- George C. Marshall High School (Potomac)*
- Monacan High School (James River)
- Osbourn High School (Rappahannock)
*Recognized within the Potomac Region of Special Olympics Virginia.
These five schools join a select group nationwide that model what true inclusion looks like in action. Congratulations to every student, educator, and community partner who made this possible!
Learn more about the National Banner Recognition Program here.