OHIO — The 2025 Purple Star schools were named by Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin on Wednesday. 

There were 367 schools who received the designation in 2025 for their commitment to serving students and families connected to the military.

“The Purple Star program is a wonderful way to showcase the many schools in Ohio that are going above and beyond to support their military communities,” said DeWine. “It’s another example of how Ohio is a leader in caring for our military families. Year after year, our Purple Star schools put in the time and effort to make sure military-connected students have the support they need to thrive.”

Of the awardee schools, 115 received the designation for the first time and 252 received renewals. In total, Ohio has 700 active Purple Star schools. Each school's designation is calid for three years. 

“We celebrate another year of outstanding Purple Star awardees in Ohio,” said Dackin. “These schools and their staff do incredible work connecting our state’s military families with resources to help them be successful, both in school and in their service to our state and country. I applaud their dedication to this important work.”

In order to qualify, schools designate a staff member who will serve as a liaison to military families and help complete professional development, identify students connected to the military and coordinate support. The awardee schools participate in at least one supportive activity each year. 

For the Class of 2025, schools held monthly military kids club meetings, provided learning opportunities for educators on considerations for military-connected students, organized celebrations for military students and families and implemented peer-to-peer transition programs.

Applications for the Purple Star Class of 2026 will open in November.

View a full list of the Purple Star Class of 2025 below: