DoDEA will introduce the Seal of Biliteracy starting in the 2025-26 school year, recognizing high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and in another language.

The DoDEA Americas Mid-Atlantic District has achieved a remarkable score of 353 on the Cognia Index of Education Quality (IEQ), surpassing the network average of 296, as noted in the May 21, 2025, Accreditation Engagement Review. This recognition from Cognia, a globally respected nonprofit that accredits schools for their commitment to high standards in teaching, learning, and leadership, underscores the district’s dedication to military-connected students. Excelling on Cognia’s 4-point scale with scores of 3.5 in Culture of Learning, 3.4 in Leadership for Learning, 3.3 in Engagement of Learning, and 3.3 in Growth in Learning—well above network averages—the district fosters a supportive environment with strong teacher-student relationships, innovative technology like a 1:1 Chromebook ratio, and programs such as Focused Collaboration and STEAM activities. Ranked as the top U.S. school system for 4th and 8th graders in the 2024 NAEP, DoDEA’s global curriculum and tailored support make it a standout choice for military families, a commitment echoed by Superintendent Ryan Smith as the district plans to share findings and drive further improvements.

Michael Hayward, a U.S. Army pilot and Dahlgren School alumnus, returned to his former middle school in Dahlgren, Virginia, to speak to students in the AVID program, where a guest speaker’s visit in 2009 inspired his own career. Sharing how AVID’s skills like organization and note-taking fueled his success in college and flight school, Hayward’s full-circle moment—complete with students trying on his pilot helmet—highlighted the lasting impact of education and mentorship on future careers.