In observance of Veterans Day, the Florida Department of Education announced that 451 schools have received the Purple Star School of Distinction designation this year. This includes 78 new schools and all 124 schools from the inaugural cohort renewing their status. Additionally, within the Florida College System, 16 colleges have been recognized as Collegiate Purple Star Campuses, with seven new institutions added in 2025.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas stated, “Florida’s veterans, service members and military families make daily sacrifices to defend our freedom. Florida’s Purple Star Schools and Collegiate Purple Star Campuses remain steadfast in ensuring military families receive consistent, high-quality education no matter where they are stationed.”
Esther Byrd, Vice Chair of the State Board of Education, commented on the state’s ongoing efforts: “Florida remains committed in our mission to be the most military-friendly state in the nation. The Purple Star designation highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring that military families have access to the best educational opportunities available. We will continue to honor the service and sacrifice of our military veterans and service members by supporting their children and ensuring their success in every classroom across our state.”
Layla Collins, a member of the State Board of Education who is also a veteran and spouse of a Purple Heart recipient, said, “As a veteran myself and wife of a Purple Heart recipient, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices military families make. Our Purple Star Schools and Campuses exemplify what it means to go above and beyond for military-connected students, ensuring that every child is supported and set up for success.”
The Purple Star Schools program was established by legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021 to recognize K-12 schools providing additional support for students from military families. The program began with 124 participating schools. In 2023, Governor DeSantis also approved legislation creating the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program for colleges showing strong support for military-connected students.
A district-level recognition was introduced in 2024 through the Florida Purple Star School District Designation. To qualify at this level, districts must have at least three-quarters of their schools earn individual designations. Five school districts had previously achieved this distinction; this year Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has joined them.
Governor DeSantis has continued to introduce initiatives aimed at supporting active-duty personnel and veterans’ families through various legislative measures.
For more information or to view lists of designated K-12 schools or college campuses recognized under these programs, visit the Florida Department of Education’s Purple Star webpage or the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campuses webpage.
