INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Three Sebastian schools recently earned Purple Star designations for their efforts in providing what leaders say are vital resources and programs to military families. The campuses were part of 176 Florida schools, along with five school districts, to be honored on Tuesday by Gov. DeSantis.
“We encourage every school in the state to strive to better serve military families and earn the designation,” DeSantis said in a statement. “I am proud to recognize these schools and school districts for their efforts to support our military families and earn the Purple Star designation.”
Sebastian Elementary School, Sebastian River Middle School and Sebastian River High School were chosen as Purple Star Schools of Distinction. The districts that achieved the Purple Star School District designation were in Bay, Brevard, Citrus, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties.
The designation lasts from the school years 2024-2025 through 2026-2027. Overall, nearly 400 schools statewide have earned the Purple Star Schools of Distinction designation, state officials said.
Schools aiming to get the Florida Purple Star School of Distinction are required to maintain the following:
- A military point-of-contact to serve as a liaison for military families;
- A school webpage for military students and families that includes specifically-focused resources like academic planning, transition planning, and educational opportunities;
- A student-led transition program to assist military students coming into the school;
- Professional development training for staff to identify and respond to the needs of military families;
- 5% open-enrollment seats for military students and families;
- Three elective opportunities to further support military families, such as participating in a service project to connect the school with the military community, hosting an annual military recognition event, or offering a JROTC program.
The Florida Purple Star School of Distinction designation was created by state legislators in 2021, according to the Florida Department of Education. Lawmakers established the Florida Purple Star School District Program in 2024.
Schools and districts maintain their Purple Star designation for three school years, state officials said.
“Congratulations to the schools earning the Purple Star School of Distinction designation,” Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. said in a statement. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ unwavering commitment to our servicemembers, these schools are going above and beyond to support our military families. This designation will go a long way toward guiding veterans and military families through the challenges they face.”
All Florida public and private schools that are participating in state scholarship programs are eligible. More information about the Purple Star program can be found here.
