Alabama Honors 76 Military-Friendly Schools with Purple Star Recognition

Three Ozark schools among those recognized for easing transitions for military-connected students and families.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:36pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a military-themed backpack repeated in a grid pattern, conveying the celebratory and community-focused nature of the Purple Star school recognition program.The Purple Star program in Alabama celebrates schools that go the extra mile to support military-connected students and their families.Today in Birmingham

The Alabama Board of Education has recognized 76 schools as 2026 Purple Star Schools, honoring campuses that have committed to making school transitions easier for military-connected students and families. The designation is awarded to schools that show they have systems in place to help children from military families settle in, connect socially, and navigate challenges that come with frequent moves, late transfers, and parental deployments.

Why it matters

Alabama has around 40,000 students, or 7% of the state's enrollment, who are part of military families, many concentrated near military bases. The Purple Star program aims to make these transitions smoother for military-connected students and families, addressing common issues they face like arriving after registration deadlines or missing out on sports teams.

The details

To earn the Purple Star designation, schools must apply each year and meet criteria such as naming a staff liaison for military families, maintaining a Purple Star webpage, and operating a student-led transition program. State Superintendent Eric Mackey says the program has led to fewer complaints from military families about transition problems, as schools have stepped up to remove barriers and be more welcoming.

  • The Alabama Board of Education recognized the 76 Purple Star Schools on April 10, 2026.
  • Alabama launched the Purple Star School program in 2021 after the state legislature established it as part of the national program.

The players

Eric Mackey

The Alabama State Superintendent, who described Purple Star Schools as those that show they are a 'military-friendly campus' and emphasized that the designation is earned through an application and review process.

Sheila McLeod

The student services coordinator for Ozark City Schools, located near Fort Rucker, whose district had three schools recognized as Purple Star Schools.

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What they’re saying

“It's a good bit of work that they go through to be certified. It is more than just a piece of paper.”

— Eric Mackey, Alabama State Superintendent

“We have military students coming in and out of our school system. It's very important, because they have transient students. So we wrap our arms around those students.”

— Sheila McLeod, Student Services Coordinator, Ozark City Schools

What’s next

The Alabama Board of Education will continue to review and recognize additional Purple Star Schools in the coming years as the program continues.

The takeaway

The Purple Star School program in Alabama is an important initiative to support military-connected students and families, providing a designation for schools that go above and beyond to ease transitions, build community, and address the unique challenges these students face.