Purple Star Schools

Designating schools that provide services and supports to military-connected students and families

Created in 2024 by House Bill 24-1076, the Purple Star Program designates public schools that provide services and supports to military-connected students and their families to mitigate academic and social-emotional challenges related to frequent moves, new schools, parental deployments, and different social circles and experiences.

The Purple Star designation recognizes a  significant commitment to supporting military families and students of servicemen and women. For more information, please download our flier.

Timeline

• October 2024: Application Opens
• December 18, 2024: Application Closes
• January-February 2025: Applications are reviewed
• March 2025: Award Notifications are released
• First Week of April 2025: Awards Ceremony

Application Process and Related Support: Apply Now through December 18, 2024!

• Intent to Apply: Applicants will need to complete the Intent to Apply prior to accessing GAINS. CDE will provide access to users entered into the form. 
• Submit an application in GAINS
• Purple Star Schools Request for Applications (DOC)
• Purple Star Schools GAINS Access PowerPoint (PPT)

Requirements to qualify 

Designated schools must meet specific  requirements, targeted training, and implemented programs and resources designed to support the  unique situations facing military students and families, including:

• A dedicated staff member as a military liaison, who shall perform the following duties:
  • Identify military connected students enrolled at the public school;
  • Serve as the point of contact between the public school campus and military-connected students and their families;
  • Determine appropriate school services available to military-connected students and
  • Determine whether military-connected students have access to the appropriate counseling services, mentorship services, volunteer opportunities and student support services
• Create and maintain on the public school’s website an accessible web page that includes resources for military-connected students and their families, including the following information:
  • How to relocate to, enroll in, register for and transfer records to the public school;
  • Academic planning, course sequences, and advanced courses available at the public school;
  • Counseling and other support services available for military-connected students enrolled at the public school; and
  • The name of the designated military liaison for the public school and the military liaison’s duties
• Establish and maintain a student-led transition program that assists military-connected students who are relocating to the public school;
• Offer professional development for educators and staff on issues related to military-connected students; and
• Offer at least one of the following initiatives:
  • A public school resolution published on the the public schools’ website showing support for military-connected students and their families;
  • Celebrations in April and November to recognize military children and military families with associated events hosted by the public school;
  • A partnership with a local military installation that facilitates opportunities for military members to volunteer on the public school’s campus, speak at a public school assembly, or host a field trip; or
  • Student driven clubs and groups that show community-family engagement for military connected students and their families.
• Additional criteria that demonstrates commitment to supporting military-connected families, including:
  • Hosting an annual military recognition event
  • Partnering with a school liaison program manager from a military installation;
  • Supporting projects that connect the public school to the military installation;
  • Providing outreach to military-connected students and their families.

Purple Star Designations 

During the first week of April each year, the Governor or his designee shall recognize each purple star school that has applied for the program and met the requirements with a certificate.

A Purple Star designation is valid for three years.

Contact Information: 

Christina Monaco
Executive Director
303-981-6513
monaco_c@cde.state.co.us