Purple Star Campus Designation
The Purple Star Campus Designation recognizes Texas district and charter schools that demonstrate exceptional support and commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. This special honor was established by the 86th Texas Legislature through Senate Bill 1557 and is further defined in agency rule (19 TAC §61.1063), effective April 9, 2020.
Each fall, the Texas Education Agency awards the Purple Star Campus designation to campuses that apply and meet the established criteria (see below). Selected campuses receive a distinctive Purple Star recognition to proudly display on campus or on their school website. Additionally, designated campuses are featured on the TxSchools.gov website.
PSCD Criteria At a Glance
1) Designate a campus-based military liaison who provides support for military-connected students and their families.
2) Create and maintain an easily accessible campus military webpage that includes required information for military-connected students and their families.
3) Must have and implement an active campus transition program that supports military-connected students.
4) Offer at least one of the three identified military initiatives.
To see the Purple Star Campus Designation rule in its entirety, visit: 19 TAC, Chapter 61. School Districts, Subchapter FF. Commissioner’s Rules Concerning Veterans and Military Dependents. Division 2, Military-Connected Students, §61.1063.
Applying for the Purple Star Campus Designation
If your campus is interested in earning the Purple Star Campus Designation (PSCD), this section provides everything you need to get started. Here, you'll find application details, essential resources to help you understand the designation criteria, and tools to support a successful submission.
Whether you're new to PSCD or looking to strengthen your application, these materials are designed to guide you through the process and highlight what it means to be recognized as a Purple Star Campus. Additionally, previous communications and updates related to PSCD are available below for your reference.
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The 2027-28 SY PSCD application window will open in late spring 2027.
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To support campuses in their journey toward earning the Purple Star Campus Designation (PSCD), we’ve compiled a comprehensive set of tools and resources. Whether you're just beginning the application process or looking to deepen your understanding of the designation criteria, these materials are designed to guide and empower your efforts. Below, you'll find general PSCD information, application support documents, and targeted resources to help meet the needs of military-connected students.
General PSCD Resources
- TEA Learn Course: Purple Star Rise (Released January 2025) | A self-paced course designed to introduce educators to the PSCD framework and best practices.
- PSCD Annual Calendar and Timeline Recommendations (PDF) | Suggested planning milestones to help campuses stay on track throughout the year.
- Commonly Used Key Terms, Definitions, and Acronyms for Educators (PDF) | A helpful glossary to support a clear understanding of PSCD-related language.
- Texas Law and Policy Requirements to Support Military-Connected Students (PDF) | A summary of relevant legislation and policy expectations.
- The Purple Star Advantage | A resource to promote the Purple Star Campus Designation and supporting military-connected students.
PSCD Application Support
- PSCD Application Guide (PDF) | A step-by-step guide to completing the application process.
- PSCD Application Overview and Checklist (PDF) | A quick-reference tool to ensure all components are addressed.
- PSCD Campus Self-Assessment: Application Rubric (PDF) | A rubric to help campuses evaluate their readiness and alignment with PSCD criteria.
- PSCD Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) | Answers to common questions about the application and designation process.
- PSCD Application Exemplar PDF | Crucial resource that walks applicants through each application question and sample responses from previously awarded campuses.
PSCD Criteria Support
- Supporting Military-Connected Students: Professional Development Resources and Tools (Component of Criteria 1) | Training and tools to help educators better serve military-connected students.
- PSCD Webpage Requirements for Military Families (Criteria 2) | Guidance on creating a campus webpage that meets PSCD standards.
- PSCD Campus Transition Program Best Practices (Criteria 3) | Examples and strategies for supporting student transitions effectively.
- PSCD Military Initiatives (Criteria 4) | Highlighted programs and partnerships that align with PSCD goals.
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Stay up to date with the latest announcements and recognitions related to the PSCD. This section highlights new communications from state leadership and TEA, including the official list of awardees and related correspondence.
- TEA is pleased to recognize the 2026-27 Purple Star Campus Designation (PSCD) Awardees for their commitment to supporting military-connected students and families. View the official awardee list below.
Explore past PSCD awardees dating back to the 2020–21 school year, when the PSCD program began. Review historical recognitions and see how the PSCD program has evolved as more campuses commit to supporting military‑connected students.
Prior PSCD Awarded Campuses
- 2026-27 Purple Star Campus Designation Awardees
- 2025-26 Purple Star Campus Designation Awardees
- 2024-25 Purple Star Campus Designation Awardees
- 2023-2024 Purple Star Campus Designation Awardees
- 2022-2023 Purple Star Campus Designation Awardees
- 2021-2022 Purple Star Campus Designation Awardees
- 2020-2021 Purple Star Campus Designation Awardees