Over 450 Florida schools honored as Purple Star Schools for supporting military families

More than 450 schools in Florida have received the Purple Star School of Distinction designation, according to an announcement by Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. The recognition comes as part of Veterans Day observances and highlights ongoing efforts to support military families within the state’s education system.

This year, 451 schools earned the Purple Star distinction. Of these, 78 are new additions while all 124 members of the inaugural cohort renewed their status. Within higher education, 16 colleges from the Florida College System were recognized as Collegiate Purple Star Campuses, with seven institutions receiving this designation for the first time.

“Florida’s veterans, service members and military families make daily sacrifices to defend our freedom,” said Commissioner Kamoutsas. “Florida’s Purple Star Schools and Collegiate Purple Star Campuses remain steadfast in ensuring military families receive consistent, high-quality education no matter where they are stationed.”

Esther Byrd, Vice Chair of the State Board of Education, stated: “Florida remains committed in our mission to be the most military-friendly state in the nation. The Purple Star designation highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring that military families have access to the best educational opportunities available. We will continue to honor the service and sacrifice of our military veterans and service members by supporting their children and ensuring their success in every classroom across our state.”

State Board of Education Member Layla Collins added: “As a veteran myself and wife of a Purple Heart recipient, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices military families make. Our Purple Star Schools and Campuses exemplify what it means to go above and beyond for military-connected students, ensuring that every child is supported and set up for success.”

The Purple Star Schools program was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021. It recognizes schools that offer additional resources and services tailored for students from military families. The program started with 124 participating schools. In 2023, legislation expanded this recognition to include colleges through the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program.

In addition to individual school designations, a district-level honor was established in 2024—the Florida Purple Star School District Designation—which acknowledges districts demonstrating a broad commitment to serving military-connected students. To qualify at this level, at least three-quarters of a district’s schools must earn individual recognition as a Purple Star School of Distinction. Five districts previously achieved this standard; this year, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) joined them.

Governor DeSantis has continued initiatives aimed at assisting active-duty service members and veterans’ families through various programs and legislative measures.

Further information about designated K-12 schools can be found on the Florida Department of Education’s Purple Star webpage. Details about recognized colleges are available on the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campuses webpage.