April 1, 2026

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education is pleased to announce that 36 schools have been designated as 2026 Nevada Purple Star Schools.

The Nevada Purple Star School Award is a designation provided to military-friendly schools that display a major commitment to serving military-connected students and families.

“Military-connected students bring unique strengths and experiences to our classrooms, and they also face unique challenges,” said Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Purple Star Schools set the standard for ensuring these students experience consistency, strong relationships, and access to high-quality learning no matter where they are stationed.”

The Nevada Department of Education will honor each school with celebrations this month. Each school is presented with a certificate and banner.

The award announcements coincide with Month of the Military Child, proclaimed by Governor Joe Lombardo to recognize the nearly 11,000 military-connected children in Nevada.

The schools receiving the award are:

• Addeliar D. Guy III Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Anthony Saville Middle School (Clark County School District)

• Barbara and Hank Greenspun Junior High School (Clark County School District)

• Bob Miller Middle School (Clark County School District)

• Brian and Teri Cram Middle School (Clark County School District)

• Cheyenne High School (Clark County School District)

• Cimarron-Memorial High School (Clark County School District)

• Clifford O. Findlay Middle School (Clark County School District)

• D.L. Dusty Dickens Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts (Clark County School District)

• Dr. Claude G. Perkins Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Edith Garehime Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Elizabeth Wilhelm Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Escobedo Middle School (Clark County School District)

• Harley A. Harmon Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Jack Lund Schofield Middle School (Clark County School District)

• James B. McMillan Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• J.E. Manch Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Jo Mackey iLead Academy for the Digital Sciences (Clark County School District)

• John C. Vanderburg Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• John Tartan Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Judith D. Steele Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• K.O. Knudson Academy of the Arts (Clark County School District)

• Kitty McDonough Ward Elementary (Clark County School District)

• Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (Clark County School District)

• Legacy High School (Clark County School District)

• Mabel Hoggard Math and Science Magnet School (Clark County School District)

• Pinecrest Academy of Northern Nevada (State Public Charter School Authority)

• Ralph Cadwallader Middle School (Clark County School District)

• Rancho High School (Clark County School District)

• Ruby Duncan Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Sandy Searles Miller Academy for International Studies (Clark County School District)

• Somerset Academy North Las Vegas (State Public Charter School Authority)

• Somerset Academy Skye Canyon (State Public Charter School Authority)

• Veterans Tribute Career and Technical Academy (Clark County School District)

• Willow Springs Center

The 36 newly recognized schools join 54 other Nevada Purple Star Schools that have received the award since the program began in 2021.

Schools wishing to earn the designation can begin the application process online by visiting NDE's Purple Star Schools webpage.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through Feb. 1 of each year. Designations are awarded annually in April.

The Purple Star School award program is facilitated by the Nevada Department of Education in partnership with the
State Council for the Coordination of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3).

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.