Over 350 Ohio schools honored with Purple Star School awards
4/22/2025
Recognizing military families and students during the Month of the Military Child and upcoming Purple Star Summit
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is proud to announce that 367 Ohio schools earned Purple Star designations as members of the Purple Star Class of 2025. Purple Star schools show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces. Of this group, 115 schools received the esteemed award for the first time, while 252 schools earned a renewal. Ohio is now home to 700 active Purple Star schools that dedicate time and support to students in military families.
The complete list of statewide awardees and active Purple Star schools is available on the Department’s Purple Star School webpage.
All awardees work diligently to meet the unique wellness and academic needs of Ohio’s military-connected youth. To qualify, schools designate a staff member to serve as a liaison to military families. These liaisons complete professional development, identify military-connected students, and coordinate support throughout the school community. Purple Star schools also participate in at least one supportive activity annually. The Purple Star Class of 2025 includes schools that host monthly military kids club meetings, provide professional learning for all educators on considerations regarding the needs of military-connected students, implement peer-to-peer transition programs, or organize schoolwide celebrations honoring military students and families.
The Purple Star designation is valid for three years, after which schools may apply for renewal. Applications for the Purple Star Class of 2026 will be open Nov. 1 - Dec. 15.
The announcement of the Purple Star Class of 2025 is part of Ohio’s participation in the celebration of the Month of the Military Child. April was first designated as the Month of the Military Child by the United States Department of Defense in 1986 to increase public knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding children who have a parent in the military.
For questions related to the Department’s Purple Star Award and initiatives supporting military families, visit the Purple Star Designation webpage or email PurpleStar@education.ohio.gov.
Register for the Ohio Purple Star Summit
No-cost registration is now open for the Ohio Purple Star Summit on June 18. The Summit brings together educators and supporters of military-connected students to provide professional development about ways schools can identify, celebrate, and support Ohio’s military families.
The event will take place at Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, located just north of Columbus. The Ohio Council of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission and the Ohio National Guard Youth Program host this event.
Those interested in presenting at this year’s summit should submit a Presentation Proposal Form. The deadline for both proposals and registration is May 9. Registration is free, and lunch is provided.
Direct questions related to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Purple Star Award and initiatives supporting military families to PurpleStar@education.ohio.gov or visit the Purple Star Designation webpage.