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Bush Hill Elementary School in Alexandria has earned a place on the 2025 ESPN Honor Roll for its inclusive Special Olympics programming, marking another major achievement for a program woven into daily school life.

The recognition from ESPN and Special Olympics North America comes as Bush Hill receives Special Olympics Unified Champion School status for the second time.

The school offers several programs that bring together students with and without disabilities. Its Unified Basketball Team holds a tournament each January, while a peer mentoring initiative has operated for nearly a decade.

Bush Hill is also entering its seventh school year participating in the Little Feet Meet. Students with disabilities and their general education partners compete together in track-and-field events at the annual May gathering.

Participants prepare during the school day twice a week for two months before the meet.

Principal Mary Duffy said the Honor Roll selection and renewed Banner status reflect years of work by students, employees and families to build meaningful partnerships and make inclusion central to the school’s identity.

Nearly 700 students attend Bush Hill, and about 10% are enrolled in self-contained special education programs. The school says its Unified Special Olympics activities provide equitable extracurricular opportunities while helping participating students feel supported, included and empowered.

ESPN, Special Olympics North America and Special Olympics Virginia plan to recognize Bush Hill with a national banner presentation ceremony in 2026.

Carter G. Woodson High School and George C. Marshall High School also received Unified Champion status in 2025.