Purple Star Award Application

The Award

The Purple Star Award recognizes districts and schools committed to supporting military children and their families for a period of three years. Military-connected children transition between schools on average six to nine times during their K-12 educational experience. Purple Star Schools and Purple Star Districts are uniquely focused on meeting the needs of students experiencing deployments by creating an inviting and caring culture. This allows soldiers to focus on complex missions conducted in the best interest and defense of our nation.

Download the Purple Star Award Summary {PDF}

Requirements for Schools

To become a Purple Star School, the school must:

• Identify a trained military family point of contact
• Provide a link to the Common Ground Partnership page on its website
• Provide a plan for how the school will support military children and their families
• Celebrate Purple Up Day during the month of April annually
• Host two qualifying military support activities in the current year, then two annually

Requirements for School Districts

To become a Purple Star School District, the district must:

• Identify a trained military family point of contact at the county level
• Provide a link to the Common Ground Partnership page on its website
• Pass a resolution or take action to publicize district support of military-connected families
• Ensure all schools within the district qualify for the award recognition within the past three school years (includes current and previous two school years) 

Note: While schools scheduled to close within one year of the application deadline and alternative learning centers may apply to receive Purple Star Awards, they do not count against districts seeking the award regarding the requirement of ensuring all schools qualify for award recognition within the past three school years.

6th Class of the Purple Star Award 

Applications for the Purple Star Award may be submitted from October 26, 2025 – April 27, 2026. Schools will be recognized for a period of three school years (2025-2028). An identified military family point of contact must complete required training prior to a school qualifying for the award.

Public School Applications

All public school staff have access to @k12.wv.us webtop and e-mail accounts. To apply, use the following links and your account credentials:

• Application for Initial Purple Star Awards
• Application for Renewal Status of Purple Star Awards
  • Only 3rd class award recipients are eligible to apply for renewal status.
  • All schools applying for renewal must complete the required research survey.

Note: Contact your county’s technology support office using your @k12.wv.us account if you are encountering issues.

District Applications

County representatives may email Educator Development Coordinator Robert Mellace to submit an application.

Private, Charter, and Mountaineer Challenge Academies

Since private schools, charter schools, and Mountaineer Challenge Academies do not have access to an @k12.wv.us account, school representatives may apply by filing out the application form. All required information for initial application can be submitted by emailing Educator Development Coordinator Robert Mellace.

Private schools must be accredited and registered to apply for the award. 

See a complete list of Purple Star Award recipients (through 5th class).