New Jersey Purple Star School Class of 2026 Application |
New Jersey Purple Star School Class of 2026 Application
The New Jersey Purple Star Schools Program in the Department of Education annually recognizes schools that provide for, or have made significant progress to respond to, the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected students encounter during the transition to a new school when the student’s parent or guardian is an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces and is relocated due to the active duty member’s continued military service.
Application Requirements: A Purple Star School shall be designated as such if it provides programs and services that include following:
- training for faculty and staff members to ease entry into the new school environment for military-connected students;
- student-led programs to help create social connections, including an emphasis on programs for students who arrive mid-year and miss out on the normal cycles of sports and club activities;
- a military family webpage on the school website to inform parents and guardians about programs and services;
- relevant professional development opportunities for additional school staff; and
- holding school-wide military recognition events that raise awareness and recognize the value of military service.
Applicants are expected to describe, and show evidence of, their work in each of the five areas listed above.
The Purple Star designation is awarded for three years to schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. This application is due by October 2, 2026.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Louisa.Soto@Doe.NJ.Gov. Purple Star Schools will be announced in November 2026.