Purple Star Designation

The Purple Star Award for military-friendly schools recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display on site.

A school will be honored with the Purple Star Award if it completes all the required activities, plus one optional activity, listed below. The Purple Star Advisory Board, formed by the Ohio departments of Education, Higher Education, Veterans Services and the Adjutant General, help decide a school’s eligibility for the award.

Honorees

Application Exemplars

How to Qualify

Required Activities

  • The school must have a staff point of contact for military students and families who serve as the primary liaison between them and the school.
    • The liaison completes professional development on special considerations for military students and families under federal law. The Military Children in Ohio’s Schools course is available on the ODE learning management system and may be used to complete this requirement.
    • The liaison identifies and informs teachers of the military-connected students in their classrooms and the special considerations military families and students should receive.
  • The school maintains a dedicated page on its website featuring resources for military families.

Optional Activities

  • The school provides professional development for additional staff on special considerations for military students and families.
  • The local school board passes a resolution publicizing the school’s support for military children and families.
  • The school hosts a military recognition event that demonstrates a military-friendly culture.

See resources for military families.