Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth announced that 53 public schools across the Yellowhammer State had been awarded the “Purple Star” school designation.
The prestigious designation is part of a national initiative to award schools for their efforts to support military children with educational transition and for developing programs that recognize service and civic responsibility.
The Alabama Legislature in 2021 adopted a resolution to participate in the national “Purple Star” program and appointed a committee, chaired by Ainsworth, to recognize state public schools with the designation.
According to the lieutenant governor’s office, the program is designed to address such issues as gaps and overlaps in the courses being taught, differing graduation requirements, as well as social and emotional challenges.
Ainsworth, who also chairs the Alabama Military Stability Commission, spoke to the importance of ensuring military children have a smooth transition into Alabama public schools.
“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,” stated Ainsworth in a release. “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.”
Schools applying for the “Purple Star” designation must create a child-to-child peer program for military students and appoint a school liaison for military families.
Schools must also designate a website page specifically for military family resources, provide staff with professional development on assisting military students and families, and conduct school programs promoting civic responsibility and military service.
Alabama schools that have achieved “Purple Star” status are as follows:
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
- Horton 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
- Lynn Fanning Elementary School
- Buckhorn High School
- Meridianville Middle School
- Riverton Elementary School
- Walnut Grove Elementary School
- Mt. Carmel 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
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been corrected to differentiate between Madison City Schools and Madison County Schools.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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