Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced on Wednesday that 53 public schools across Alabama have been awarded the prestigious “Purple Star School” designation for their efforts to assist military children with school transition and developing programs that recognize military service and civic responsibility.
The Alabama Legislature adopted a resolution in 2021 to participate in the national “Purple Star” program and appointed a committee, which is chaired by Ainsworth, to recognize schools that qualify for the designation. The program is designed to address such issues as gaps and overlaps in the courses being taught, differing graduation requirements, and social and emotional challenges.
“Since taking office, I have worked hard to ensure Alabama remains that nation’s most friendly and welcoming state for active duty military personnel, their dependents, and veterans,” said Ainsworth, whose office also oversees the Alabama Military Stability Commission. “Because of transfers and various postings, the average military child will attend six to nine schools during their K – 12 years, so it is important for Alabama to partner in efforts to ease their transition and welcome them to our state with open arms.”
In order to qualify for “Purple Star” designation, applying schools must first create a child-to-child peer program for military students, appoint a school liaison for military families, designate a website page specifically for military family resources, provide staff with professional development on assisting military students and families, and conductschool programs promoting civic responsibility and military service.
Alabama schools achieving “Purple Star” status in its inaugural year within the state are:
Autauga County Schools
Prattville High School
Prattville Junior High School
Daniel Pratt Elementary School
Dale County Schools
South Dale Middle School
Enterprise City Schools
Enterprise Early Education Center
Harrand Creek Elementary School
Hillcrest Elementary School
Holly Hill Elementary School
Pinedale Elementary School
Rucker Boulevard Elementary School
Coppinville Junior High School
Dauphin Junior High School
Enterprise High School
Homewood City Schools
Homewood Middle School
Homewood High School
Hoover City Schools
Riverchase Elementary School
Madison City Schools
Liberty Middle School
Mill Creek Elementary School
Heritage Elementary School
Midtown Elementary School
Horizon Elementary School
Discovery Middle School
James Clemens High School
Columbia Elementary School
Bob Jones High School
Rainbow Elementary School
Madison Elementary School
Madison County Schools
Walnut Grove Elementary School
Meridianville Middle School
Lynn Fanning Elementary School
Buckhorn High School
Riverton Elementary School
Mt. Caramel Elementary School
Montgomery Public Schools
Wynton Blount Elementary School
Ozark City Schools
Carroll High School
Da Smith Middle School
Phenix City Schools
Meadowland Elementary School
Lakewood Primary School
South Girard School
Ridgecrest Elementary School
Central Freshman Academy
Phenix City Intermediate School
Sherwood Elementary School
Westview Elementary School
Central High School
Phenix City Elementary School
Lakewood Elementary School
Pike Road City Schools
Pike Road Intermediate School
Pike Road Elementary School
Pike Road Junior High School
Pike Road High School
Russell County School District
Russell County Middle School
Russell County High School
