Schools invited to apply for official designation supporting Iowa military-connected students
The Iowa Department of Education has opened the 2026-27 application period for the Iowa Purple Star School Program, an initiative dedicated to supporting the success of military-connected students across the state.
Now in its second year, the Iowa Purple Star School program highlights schools across the state that have committed to implementing strategies and providing support and resources that foster stability and achievement for students from military families. All Iowa public and accredited nonpublic schools are highly encouraged to apply for the official designation.
“With unique challenges such as moving to another state or saying goodbye to a parent who is being deployed, we know that military-connected students deserve comfort, support and understanding within our schools,” said Amy Gieseke, administrator for the Department’s Division of Higher Education and Postsecondary Readiness. “Iowa schools can demonstrate their commitment to students from military families by meeting the requirements for the Iowa Purple Star School Program and receiving the official designation. Together with school support, students can persevere through difficult times and find opportunities for achievement and success.”
To earn an Iowa Purple Star School designation, Iowa schools must meet the following criteria:
- Military liaison – The school must appoint a designated staff member to serve as the point-of-contact for military students and their families. This individual can be an administrator, school counselor or teacher.
- Dedicated webpage – The school must maintain a public webpage with information and resources specifically for military-connected families.
- Programs and events – The school must implement programming that builds awareness and provides support for military-connected students.
- Professional development – The school must offer staff with professional development opportunities focused on the needs and experiences of military-connected students and families.
All designations will be awarded next spring by the Department. Awarded schools will also be recognized during a special ceremony.
Last year, 17 Iowa schools from seven school districts were awarded the inaugural Iowa Purple Star School designations. Awardees included the school districts from Albia, Forest City, Iowa City, Newton, Pleasantville, Sigourney and Woodward-Granger.
The Iowa Purple Star School Program was established through bipartisan support and a unanimous vote of Senate File 275, which was signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2025. The legislation was supported by a wide range of government and military organizations, including the Iowa Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3).
Applications for the Iowa Purple Star School Program will be accepted through Dec. 31. Schools can apply for a designation for their entire district or for individual school buildings.
The application, along with additional information and resources, can be found on the Department’s Iowa Purple Star School webpage. Specific questions regarding the program designations can be submitted to the Iowa Purple Star School team at [email protected].
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