Purple Star School Program Frequently Asked Questions

The State of Iowa awards the Purple Star School designation to schools that show a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students. This recognition encourages schools to implement best practices that address the unique challenges these students face—especially when relocating due to a parent’s military service.

By recognizing Purple Star Schools, Iowa aims to promote effective strategies that foster success and stability for military families.

Military-connected students are those with a parent or guardian currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve forces.  Iowa also identifies military-connected students as those with a parent or guardian that is a Veteran or retired from military service. 

Designate a staff member, such as a counselor, teacher or administrator, to serve as a military liaison for students and families.

Maintain a dedicated webpage with resources tailored to military-connected families.

Host programs and events that raise awareness and provide support for military-connected students.

Offer staff training focused on the unique challenges military-connected students face.

Military-connected students often face frequent moves, school transitions, and the emotional toll of deployment. The Purple Star designation ensures schools are equipped to support their academic and social-emotional needs. As Iowa does not have an active-duty military base, these supports are especially important to bridge potential service gaps.

Benefits include state and local recognition, a supportive network, improved student transitions, and a stronger relationship with military families.

The Iowa Purple Star School Program was created to assist K-12 schools in Iowa and encourage best practices in supporting military-connected students.  If a school is not able to meet the established criteria, it is recommended that the school continue to work towards that goal and learn from best practices in continuing to build capacity.  Not all Iowa schools have a significant military-connected population and so it is encouraged that schools leverage existing systems of support for items as staff training.  Support is available to help schools reach designation goals.

Schools are recognized as a Purple Star School for a period of three years before needing to renew the designation. This assumes there are no significant changes to the school’s ability to meet the established criteria.

Schools can apply through the Iowa Department of Education’s Purple Star Schools Program webpage.

Iowa Purple Star School Timeline:

• October–December: Application window open

• January–February: Application review

• March: Designee notifications and press release

• April: State and local recognition ceremonies (Month of the Military Child)

Yes. Schools officially designated as Iowa Purple Star Schools also receive permission to use the Iowa’s Purple Star School “seal” logo.

Email: purple.star@iowa.gov 

Also, you can visit the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) for national resources.  MCEC serves as a national advocate for Purple Star Schools.