Big news for inclusion in Virginia schools: 18 schools across the Commonwealth have earned 2026 National Banner recognition from Special Olympics North America.
The National Banner recognition is one of the highest honors a school can receive through the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® program. It recognizes schools that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to creating an inclusive school community for students with and without intellectual disabilities.
To earn National Banner status, schools must meet 10 national standards of excellence focused on three key areas:
- Unified Sports® — Students with and without disabilities train and compete together as teammates.
- Inclusive Youth Leadership — Students with and without disabilities work together as leaders and advocates for inclusion.
- Whole-School Engagement — The entire school community is involved in creating a more inclusive school climate.
Schools also must demonstrate that their efforts can be sustained over time. National Banner status isn't a one-time achievement — schools are expected to continue meeting the standards and reapply every four years. Applications are reviewed first by Special Olympics state program staff and then by a national panel of education leaders.
Meet Virginia's 2026 National Banner Schools
- Blacksburg High School
- Bull Run Elementary School
- Chantilly High School
- Cosby High School
- Dranesville Elementary
- Gainesville High School
- Goochland High School
- Holman Middle School
- James River High School
- Kettle Run High School
- Liberty High School
- Mary Munford Elementary School
- Menchville High School
- Midlothian High School
- Richmond High School for the Arts
- Thomas Jefferson High School
- Virginia Tech (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)
- Woodbridge Senior High School
These 18 schools represent what is possible when students, educators and families work together to make inclusion part of everyday school life.
Congratulations to all 18 2026 National Banner Schools! Special Olympics Virginia is proud to celebrate the work they are doing to build more inclusive schools across the Commonwealth.