FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — Flagler County Schools has earned Florida’s Purple Star School District designation for its support of military-connected students and their families, the Florida Department of Education announced Wednesday.
Flagler joins Clay and Escambia counties as newly recognized districts. The Veterans Day announcement brings the statewide total to nine, including Brevard County and Florida Virtual School.
The Purple Star program recognizes schools that help military families navigate school transitions and connect with educational resources.
What the designation means
To qualify for district recognition, at least 75% of a district’s schools must earn the Purple Star School of Distinction designation, according to the department.
Individual schools must provide support that includes a designated military family liaison, a webpage with educational and transition resources, and a student-led program to welcome incoming military-connected students.
Schools must also train staff on military families’ needs, reserve 5% of open enrollment seats for military-connected students and offer additional activities supporting those families.
More than 540 schools recognized statewide
The department announced 94 newly designated schools and 69 renewals, bringing Florida’s total to more than 540 Purple Star Schools of Distinction.
The school designation lasts three years. The program began after its establishment by the Florida Legislature in 2021.
“Every student deserves a school environment where they feel welcomed, supported, and ready to succeed,” Education Commissioner Henry Mack said in the announcement.
The other previously recognized districts are Bay, Citrus, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties.
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