Erin Meyer, Esq. General Counsel | Linkedin
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has announced the addition of 21 new schools to its Military Star Schools program for the period 2025-27. This brings the total number of designated schools in the state to 103. The designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting military families and children of service members.
To qualify as a Military Star School, institutions must fulfill specific criteria tailored to address the unique needs of military students and their families. These requirements include appointing a dedicated school liaison for military families, offering student-led transition services and peer support, ensuring staff receive professional development related to military family needs, and publicly recognizing service members and their families.
The newly designated schools are distributed across several districts:
- Gulfport School District: Pass Road Elementary
- Harrison County School District: Creekbend Elementary School, D’Iberville Elementary School, D’Iberville Middle School, Harrison Central High School, North Gulfport Elementary School, North Gulfport Middle School, West Harrison High School, West Wortham Elementary School, West Wortham Middle School, Woolmarket Elementary School
- Jackson Public Schools: Forest Hill High School, Lanier High School, Murrah High School, Provine High School
- Lauderdale County School District: Southeast Lauderdale Elementary School
- Newton County School District: Newton County Elementary School
- Pass Christian Public School District: Pass Christian High School
- Petal School District: Petal Elementary School
- Rankin County School District: Northwest Rankin High School, Rankin County Learning Center
Governor Tate Reeves initiated the Military Star Schools program in February 2022 with Executive Order 1561. At that time, Mississippi was one of 31 states with a formal program recognizing schools that support military families. In 2024 alone, 31 schools were awarded this designation for the term 2024-26.
The initiative aims to assist schools in addressing both educational and social-emotional challenges faced by military-connected children during transitions between schools. It also seeks to ensure these students remain on track for college readiness and future workforce participation. "Military-connected" refers specifically to children of active duty service members as well as those in the National Guard and Reserves.
Each designation lasts two years. Schools can reapply for continued recognition or apply anew when eligible in subsequent cycles.
For a complete list of all Military Star Schools recognized by MDE, interested parties can visit MDE’s Military Star Schools webpage.
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