September 9, 2026 — Each year, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation recognizes schools across the country that go above and beyond to promote healthy environments for students, teachers, and families.

This year, Murdock Elementary School was named one of America’s Healthiest Schools, joining 10 other Cobb schools on the 2026 list. Murdock earned recognition in four categories: School Health Services, Physical Education and Activity, Health Education, and Tobacco-Free Schools.

Murdock was among the 1,376 schools named across 35 states.

Each school that applied was evaluated in nine categories: School Health Services, Implementing School Wellness Policies, Improving Food and Nutrition Access, Bolstering Physical Education and Activity, Enriching Health Education, Increasing Family and Community Engagement, Cultivating Staff Wellbeing, Promoting Tobacco-Free Schools, and Strengthening Social-Emotional Health and Learning. 

Schools that excelled in at least one of these categories earned recognition as America’s Healthiest Schools. Murdock was one of three Cobb schools to earn recognition in four or more categories. Murdock was recognized for School Health Services, Physical Education and Activity, Tobacco-Free Schools, and Health Education.

How Murdock Supports Healthy Students

• School Health Services — Routine health screenings and a clear process for connecting students with additional support when health concerns arise.
• Physical Education and Activity — An evidence-based curriculum that integrates physical activity opportunities throughout the school day for all students, including students with special health needs.
• Health Education — The use of evidence-based curriculum to provide health education to all students and prioritize opportunities for students to practice skills to maintain and improve their health.
• Tobacco-Free Schools — Recognizes school teams that address tobacco use in youth through prevention education, actively engage students in promoting a tobacco-free campus and provide support and cessation intervention when students vape or use tobacco products.

Together, these recognitions reflect what Murdock families already know: supporting the health, well-being, and success of each student remains a priority every day.