April 21, 2026, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine:
COLUMBUS, Ohio —Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin today announced that 304 Ohio schools earned the Purple Star designation as part of the Class of 2026. The honor is given to schools that demonstrate a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to the nation’s armed forces.
“Ohio and our communities will always support and celebrate those who serve our country and their loved ones,” said Governor DeWine. “Purple Star schools recognize the unique strengths and perspectives that military students bring to our classrooms and ensure these students have all the support they need to reach their God-given potential. I congratulate our 2026 Purple Star schools for their efforts.”
This year’s class includes 153 schools earning the Purple Star designation for the first time and 151 schools earning Purple Star renewals for their continued dedication to Ohio’s military families.
In total, Ohio is now home to 839 active Purple Star schools, with each school’s designation valid for three years.
“Congratulations to our Purple Star schools in the Class of 2026! We applaud your dedication to providing resources and support to military students so they can achieve academic success and be prepared for the future,” said Director Dackin. “The Purple Star award reflects these schools’ strong commitment to fostering supportive school environments that uplift military students and their families, while benefiting the entire student body.”
To qualify for the Purple Star designation, schools must designate a staff member to serve as a liaison to military families. These liaisons complete professional development, identify military-connected students, and coordinate support throughout the school community. Purple Star schools also participate in at least one supportive activity each year.
Visit the Department’s Purple Star webpage – Education.Ohio.gov/PurpleStar – for a complete list of awardees, a map of active Purple Star schools, application rules, and more.
The announcement of the Purple Star Class of 2026 is part of Ohio’s participation in the celebration of the Month of the Military Child. April was first designated as the Month of the Military Child by the United States Department of Defense in 1986 to increase public knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding children who have a parent in the military.
Applications for next year’s class – the Purple Star Class of 2027 – will open on Nov. 1, 2026, and are due on Dec. 15, 2026.
