Governor Ron DeSantis announced that 176 additional schools in Florida have been awarded the Purple Star School of Distinction designation for their support of military families. This brings the total number of schools with this designation to nearly 400 across the state. Additionally, five school districts—Bay, Brevard, Citrus, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa—have received the Florida Purple Star School District designation.
“We encourage every school in the state to strive to better serve military families and earn the designation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am proud to recognize these schools and school districts for their efforts to support our military families and earn the Purple Star designation.”
Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. also congratulated the schools on their achievement: “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ unwavering commitment to our servicemembers, these schools are going above and beyond to support our military families. This designation will go a long way toward guiding veterans and military families through the challenges they face.”
To qualify for this distinction, schools must meet several criteria including having a designated military point-of-contact, maintaining a webpage with resources for military students and families, offering a student-led transition program for incoming military students, providing professional development training for staff on military family needs, reserving 5% open-enrollment seats for military students, and offering three elective opportunities related to supporting military families.
The Purple Star School of Distinction program was established by the Florida Legislature in 2021. In its first two years, nearly 200 schools met all requirements necessary for earning this recognition. Both public schools and private institutions participating in state scholarship programs are eligible.
The district-level program acknowledges those that offer substantial support tailored to the unique needs of military families and assist them during transitions between school environments.
Governor DeSantis has backed various initiatives benefiting active-duty service members and veterans' families through legislation such as House Bill 1035's Heroes in the Classroom Bonus Program; establishing Collegiate Purple Star Campuses; re-enacting Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children; Senate Bill 896 creating Military Veterans Certification Pathway; allowing substitution of military experience instead postsecondary education when applying civilian roles within state agencies; facilitating college credit recognition based upon specific experiences gained while serving.
For further details about these designations or access complete list involved entities visit https://www.fldoe.org/schools/family-community/activities-programs/parental-involvement/purple-star.stml