Columbus, OH - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin today announced 171 Ohio schools are receiving the Purple Star designation?as members of the Purple Star Class of 2024. Purple Star schools show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces. Ninety-seven new Ohio schools received the esteemed award for the first time, and 74 schools earned a renewal after three years as dedicated Purple Star schools.

“Ohio is a leader in its support to military families and the Purple Star program is a wonderful example of how this support extends to children in our schools,” said Governor DeWine. “I applaud Ohio’s Purple Star schools and thank them for supporting military-connected students and ensuring they have the services and learning resources to succeed.”   

Ohio is home to 600 active Purple Star schools that dedicate time and supports to students in military families. All awardees meet the unique wellness and academic needs of Ohio’s military-connected youth.

“Congratulations to this year’s class of Ohio Purple Star schools for supporting student success, strengthening school-family partnerships, and recognizing the sacrifice of military service members and their families,” said Director Dackin. “It is wonderful to see the meaningful ways Ohio’s learning communities are showcasing their commitment to military families.”?

To qualify for the Purple Star designation, schools choose a school-based staff person to serve as a liaison between military families and the school. These liaisons complete professional development, identify military-connected students, and facilitate supports throughout the school community for identified students and families. Purple Star schools also participate in at least one supportive activity each year.  

The Purple Star Class of 2024 includes schools that host monthly military kids club meetings, provide professional learning for all educators on the unique considerations of military-connected students, implement peer-to-peer transition programs, or host schoolwide celebrations honoring military students and families. ? The complete list of statewide awardees and active Purple Star schools is available on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s? Purple Star School webpage. Purple Star awardees receive a special Purple Star recognition to display in their buildings. A Purple Star school receives the designation for three years, after which the school can apply for renewal of the designation. Applications for the next class of Purple Star schools will open in November.

The announcement of the Purple Star Class of 2024 is part of Ohio’s participation in the national 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.