Purple Star Schools

Overview

Military families have a unique view of education in America. The average military family
moves every 1-3 years and will experience 6-9 different schools through their K-12 education
experience, depending on the needs of the military. Some of those moves are state to state while
others are overseas to foreign countries. With each move, many military service members bring
their spouses and children to resettle into new communities and attend new schools.

With more than 1.1 million military-connected students attending schools, issues surroundingschool transition have become a top priority for families and some schools. Mobile military students face issues such as gaps and overlaps in curriculum, different graduation requirements,course placement disruption, and many other hurdles when changing schools. Besides the academic issues, these students also face social and emotional challenges of relocation, such as leaving supportive social networks and activities, to start new again.

Parents will leave no stone unturned to find that right school that understands the unique lifestyleof military connected students while offering a quality education and resources. How does a military family know if they’ve found a school that can provide this unique niche in education?
Luckily, families can search for schools that have been designated Purple Star Schools.

The Nevada Purple Star School Award is a designation provided to military-friendly schoolswho display a major commitment to serving military-connected students and families. Nevada
Purple Star Schools receive a special Purple Star recognition to display in their buildings, are
recognized on the NV Department of Education webpage and social media and are highlighted
by the various military installations across the state.

Each School Point of Contact is required to complete a professional development training focused on military families. The Nevada Military Children in Our Schools professional development training can be found in Canvas. Please email KellyLynn Charles for assistance with accessing the course.

Eligible Applicants

All public, private, and charter schools in Nevada

Application Period 1

Purple Star Schools Announced: April 2023  

Application Period 2                     

Opens: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Closes: Monday, October 2, 2023 Applications reviewed: Monday, October 2, 2023 - Friday, October 13, 2023 Purple Star Schools Announced: November 2023

Please submit application electronically and direct questions to:

KellyLynn Charles at kcharles@doe.nv.gov [702-668-4330]
and Martha Warachowski at mwarachowski@doe.nv.gov [702-668-4318]