21 southern Colorado schools receive Purple Star designation for supporting military-connected students
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – As military families move from base to base, their children often have to start over in new classrooms. Now, 22 schools across Colorado, including 21 in southern Colorado, are being recognized for helping make those transitions a little easier.
At a ceremony held on Tuesday, 22 schools across seven districts were honored with a Purple Star designation, an honor reserved for campuses that go the extra mile for students whose parents serve on active duty or in the National Guard and Reserves.
According to the Military Child Foundation Coalition (MCFC), the Purple Star School program recognizes schools that provide targeted support for military-connected students, helping them navigate frequent moves while keeping them on track for long-term success.
To qualify, schools must meet several requirements, including having a dedicated military liaison, maintaining a website dedicated to resources for military families, and establishing a student-led transition program to help relocating students, among other qualifications.
"Colorado is proud to be home to military communities, which help ensure our national security. We are committed to supporting our military-connected students as they serve alongside their family member," Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera said. "The Purple Star Schools program is one of the many ways we can show up for military-connected students and help ensure they have the supports needed to thrive."
This is only the second year schools were eligible to apply and gain the status after the program was authorized in Colorado in 2024, through House Bill 24-1076. According to MCFC, 44 states across the country now have similar Purple Star legislation in place.
During Tuesday's ceremony, Gov. Jared Polis was joined by State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan and Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova to announce the designations.
“I am very excited that 22 Colorado schools have been recognized as Purple Star Schools," Polis said. "Education is a top priority for my administration, and making sure that our military-connected students and families have access to schools and education that work best for them is key to taking care of those who bravely serve our nation in uniform."
The following schools received a Purple Star designation in 2026:
Academy School District 20
- Air Academy High School
- Chinook Trail Elementary School
- Chinook Trail Middle School
- The Da Vinci Academy School
- Discovery Canyon Campus Elementary School
- Discovery Canyon Campus Middle School
- Discovery Canyon Campus High School
- Woodmen-Roberts Elementary School
Aurora Public Schools
- Harmony Ridge P-8
Cheyenne Mountain School District 12
- Piñon Valley Elementary School
Colorado Springs School District 11
- Doherty High School
District 49
- Banning Lewis Ranch Academy
- Falcon Elementary School of Technology
- Falcon High School
- Grand Peak Academy
- Inspiration View Elementary School
- Meridian Ranch Elementary School
- Patriot Applied Learning Campus
- Springs Ranch Elementary
- Woodmen Hills Elementary School
Harrison School District 2
- Otero Elementary School
Widefield School District 3
- Mesa Ridge High School
The Purple Star School Designation remains valid for three years; additional schools can apply every year for consideration.
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