DENVER - In a special ceremony on Thursday, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova and Governor Jared Polis awarded the state’s first-ever Purple Star School designation to 27 schools from eight school districts and the Charter School Institute. The Purple Star School designation recognizes school communities for their work to support military-connected students and their families. 

“Colorado is the proud home to a strong military and veteran community, and it’s only appropriate that our schools are recognized for the work they do to support military families and their children. I’m excited to celebrate the schools who are leading this work and setting an example for the rest of the state,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

Commissioner Córdova and Gov. Polis were joined by members of the State Board of Education, representatives from the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, and military school liaisons from the United States Army, Air Force, and Space Force. 

“Military families and their children make extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country. For military-connected students, frequent moves and long separations from loved ones can present unique challenges. Our Purple Star Schools go above and beyond to create welcoming, supportive environments where every student feels seen, supported, and a true sense of belonging—no matter where their family is stationed,” said Cordova. 

Last spring, Gov. Polis signed into law House Bill 24-1076 - sponsored by Reps. Bob Marshall (D-Douglas County) and Mike Weissman (D-Adams/Araphaoe) and Sens. Rhonda Fields (D-Adams/Arapahoe) and Bob Gardner (R-El Paso/Teller) - creating the Purple Star Program to recognize schools that help military-connected students navigate the academic and social-emotional challenges that come with frequent relocations, parental deployments, and adjusting to new school communities. 

Purple Star Schools must meet specific criteria, including offering dedicated programs and resources for military-connected students and their families. More information about the Purple Star Program is available on the Colorado Department of Education’s website. 

The following schools received the Purple Star designation: 

Academy School District 20 

• Douglass Valley Elementary School
• Eagleview Middle School
• Ranch Creek Elementary School 

Aurora Public Schools 

• Edna and John Mosley P-8 School 

Colorado Springs School District 11

• Jenkins Middle School James
• Irwin Elementary School - Howard
• McAuliffe Elementary School 

Charter School Institute 

• Colorado Military Academy 

District 49 

• Bennett Ranch Elementary School
• Falcon Middle School 

Ellicott School District 22 

• Ellicott Elementary School 

Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 

• Abrams Elementary School
• Aragon Elementary School
• Eagleside Elementary School
• Jordahl Elementary School
• Mesa Elementary School
• Mountainside Elementary School
• Patriot Elementary School
• Weikel Elementary School
• Welte Education Center
• Carson Middle School
• Fountain Middle School
• Fountain-Fort Carson High School 

Harrison School District 2 

• James Irwin Charter Middle School
• James Irwin Elementary School–Astrozon 

Widefield School District 3 

• Grand Mountain School
• Widefield High School 

The Colorado Department of Education’s vision is to create equitable educational environments where all students and staff in Colorado thrive. Our role is to improve student outcomes and ensure students and families across Colorado have access to high-quality schools by serving, guiding, and elevating our state’s 178 school districts and BOCES.