Wyoming Purple Star Schools Program
The Wyoming Purple Star School Designation Award for military-friendly schools recognizes schools that demonstrate a major commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces.
The Wyoming Purple Star School Program recognizes the efforts of Wyoming K-12 schools that are committed and supportive of military students and families as they transition to their new homes and schools. The program was designed to help with the challenges of high mobility by setting standards of commitment for the school’s award of the military-friendly Purple Star designation. All Wyoming public and private schools are eligible to apply for the Purple Star School Award.
With more than 1.1 million military-connected students attending schools, issues of school transition are a high priority for families. The most current data indicates that Wyoming has 2,140 military-connected students in our schools. The frequent relocations required of military personnel mean that, on average, military-connected children move six to nine times between kindergarten and high school graduation. As they transition between schools, these students must adapt to varying cultures, school populations, curricula, standards, course offerings, schedules, and graduation requirements. As a result, military-connected students often face unique academic and social-emotional challenges. A mission deployment of a parent or parents can also contribute to impactful stress on a student.
To qualify for the Purple Star Designation award, schools complete a Purple Star School application and submit documentation of required activities.
Congratulations to Laramie School District #1’s Freedom Elementary, McCormick Junior High, and Central High Schools for earning Wyoming’s first Purple Star School Designations!
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children was developed jointly by The Council of State Governments’ National Center for Interstate Compacts and the U.S. Department of Defense, with input from policy experts, national associations, teachers, school administrators, military families, and federal, state, and local officials. The Compact eases interstate education transition challenges encountered by the children of active duty service members such as enrollment, eligibility, placement, and graduation. First available for legislative consideration in 2008, the Compact was adopted by all 50 states and the District of Columbia in just 6 legislative sessions. Wyoming adopted the Compact in March 2012. Compact dues are paid by the Wyoming Department of Education.
