A "Purple Star School" is a designation given to schools that demonstrate a commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. These schools have programs and resources in place to help students adjust to new environments, provide academic and social support, and assist families with transitions related to military service.

The Purple Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school and keep them on track to be college, workforce, and life-ready. Military-connected refers to children of service members on active duty, and in the National Guard and Reserves 

Purple Star Schools help military-connected students transition successfully with measures that include:

• Training a staff member to ease entry into the new academic environment 

• Student-led programs to help create social connections 

• A military family webpage on the school website to inform parents

• Relevant professional development opportunities for additional school staff.