Suffolk Public Schools is proud to announce that all SPS elementary schools have successfully met Virginia’s quality expectations for Early Childhood programs for the 2024–2025 school year. This recognition reflects the division’s continued commitment to providing young learners with strong foundations in academic, social, and emotional development.

Among these achievements, Southwestern Elementary School (SWES) earned special distinction for exceeding the state’s quality expectations and was named to the Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) Honor Roll of Excellence, a recognition reserved for programs demonstrating the highest levels of quality across the Commonwealth.

The VQB5 system, established by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), is designed to unify early childhood education and care programs under a shared vision of quality. Through classroom observations, curriculum implementation, and professional development, VQB5 helps ensure that all children—birth to age five—receive high-quality instruction and learning experiences that prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Earning a place on the VQB5 Honor Roll of Excellence signifies that Southwestern Elementary has demonstrated exceptional performance in instructional quality, teacher-child interactions, and learning environment standards.

“We are incredibly proud of our Early Childhood teams across the division,” said Dr. Catherine Pichon, Director of Elementary Leadership. “This recognition highlights the dedication of our teachers and staff who work tirelessly to create nurturing, engaging classrooms where our youngest learners thrive.”

“This recognition from the Virginia Department of Education provides evidence of the early childhood experience that exists in Suffolk Public Schools. We are strong believers in providing our early learners with an exemplary educational experience that fully prepares them for elementary school.” said Suffolk Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. John B. Gordon III.

Suffolk Public Schools remains committed to expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities and supporting the continued professional growth of educators who serve in these vital programs.