In observance of Veterans Day, the Florida Department of Education announced that 451 schools have received the Purple Star School of Distinction Designation. This includes 78 new schools and renewals from all 124 schools in the inaugural group. Additionally, within the Florida College System, 16 colleges were recognized as Collegiate Purple Star Campuses, with seven new colleges joining this year.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas said, “Florida’s veterans, service members and military families make daily sacrifices to defend our freedom. 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, added, “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 stated, “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 of Distinction program was established by legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021. It recognizes schools that offer additional support and resources for students from military families. The initiative began with 124 schools participating. In 2023, Governor DeSantis also signed into law the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program to recognize colleges demonstrating a commitment to serving military families.
In 2024, a district-level recognition—the Florida Purple Star School District Designation—was introduced for districts where at least 75% of schools earn the individual school designation. Five districts had previously achieved this status; this year, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) was added to the list.
More information about recognized K-12 schools can be found on the Florida Department of Education’s Purple Star webpage. Details about designated colleges are available on the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campuses webpage.
