Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, commonly referred to as the Military Compact, was created to reduce educational barriers and ensure smooth school transitions for military-connected students as their families relocate across state lines. Texas has been a proud member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) since 2009. As of 2014, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have adopted the Compact.

The Compact applies to:

• Active-duty service members
• National Guard and Reserve members
• Veterans who are medically discharged or retired for one year
• Families of service members who die on active duty

Key Focus Areas of the Compact

The Military Compact addresses the following critical areas to support student success:

• Educational Records & Enrollment: Ensures timely transfer and acceptance of records to avoid enrollment delays.
• Course & Program Placement: Promotes continuity in academic programs, including gifted, special education, and advanced placement.
• Attendance & Eligibility: Supports flexibility in attendance policies and eligibility for extracurricular activities.
• Graduation: Helps students meet graduation requirements despite differences in state standards.

Helpful Resources

• Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)
• Texas Education Code, Chapter 162, Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (PDF) - Texas state law on the Interstate Compact for Educational Opportunity for Military Children has been in place since 2009.
• Ask for Help - graphic flowchart for parents and educators on asking for help from the MIC3 National Office (outside source)
• Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission Parent Guide (outside source)
• MIC3 Know Your Military Child’s Rights Webinar - Military Child Education Coalition (outside source)
• Purple Up! Toolkit - ideas and resources to celebrate Month of the Military Child (outside source)
• Military Compact Flyer (English) - overview of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
• Military Compact Flyer (Spanish) - overview of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children in Spanish