Florida Surpasses 540 Military-Family Purple Star Schools

Florida now has more than 540 Purple Star Schools of Distinction after 94 schools received the designation and 69 renewed it. Clay, Escambia and Flagler counties were newly recognized as Purple Star districts, bringing Florida’s total to nine; district recognition requires at least 75% of a district’s schools to earn the designation. The program honors schools that help military-connected students navigate transitions and access support, and school designations last three years. In Louisiana, Paradise Elementary became the first school in Rapides Parish to earn the Purple Star designation. The school’s programs support students and families connected to nearby Camp Beauregard, including with transitions and mental health resources.