Purple Star Campus Designation
2026-27 PSCD Application is NOW open May 1, 2026!
Scroll down to 'Upcoming 2026-27 SY PSCD Application Window' at bottom of page for additional information.
Purple Star Campus Designation (PSCD)
The Purple Star Campus Designation recognizes Texas district and charter schools that demonstrate exceptional support and commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. This special honor was established by the 86th Texas Legislature through Senate Bill 1557 and is further defined in agency rule (19 TAC §61.1063), effective April 9, 2020.
Each fall, the 7mÊÓƵ awards the Purple Star Campus designation to campuses that apply and meet the established criteria (see below). Selected campuses receive a distinctive Purple Star recognition to proudly display on campus or on their school website. Additionally, designated campuses are featured on the website.
PSCD Criteria At a Glance
1) Designate a campus-based military liaison that must:
Support military connected students and their families.
Offer professional development opportunities for staff members on issues related to military-connected students.
2) Create and maintain an easily accessible campus military webpage that includes the following information for military-connected students and their families.
- Relocation
- Enrollment and registration
- Academic planning
- Counseling and support services
- Campus-based military liaison information
3) Must have/implement a campus transition program that includes:
Introductions to school environment and processes.
Student leaders or ambassadors should be supported or sponsored by a campus-based staff member.
Participate in organizing and hosting newcomer social events, facilitating guided tours of the campus, and accompanying new students to lunch the first week of school.
4) Offer at least one of the following initiatives:
A resolution showing support for military-connected students and families;
Participation in Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month; or
Partnership with a school liaison officer to encourage and provide opportunities for active-duty military members to volunteer in the local schools, speak at a school assembly, or host a school field trip.
To see the Purple Star Campus Designation rule in its entirety, visit: 19 TAC, Chapter 61. School Districts, Subchapter FF. Commissioner’s Rules Concerning Veterans and Military Dependents. Division 2, Military-Connected Students, §61.1063.
Applying for the Purple Star Campus Designation
If your campus is interested in earning the Purple Star Campus Designation (PSCD), this section provides everything you need to get started. Here, you'll find application details, essential resources to help you understand the designation criteria, and tools to support a successful submission. Whether you're new to PSCD or looking to strengthen your application, these materials are designed to guide you through the process and highlight what it means to be recognized as a Purple Star Campus. Additionally, previous communications and updates related to PSCD are available below for your reference.
The 2026-27 SY Purple Star Campus Designation application window will remain open from May 1 to 29, 2026. The 2026-27 PSCD awardees will be announced in Fall 2026.
Applications MUST be submitted using the Link.
Potential applicants SHOULD pre-plan their responses and required evidence using the (PDF).
SY 2026-27 PSCD Application Information
Spring 2026 PSCD Interest Webinar: March 4, 2026 [ | Presentation Deck]
Final PSCD Office Hours: May 20, 2026 @ 1:00 - 2:00 PM CST |
To support campuses in their journey toward earning the Purple Star Campus Designation (PSCD), we’ve compiled a comprehensive set of tools and resources. Whether you're just beginning the application process or looking to deepen your understanding of the designation criteria, these materials are designed to guide and empower your efforts. Below, you'll find general PSCD information, application support documents, and targeted resources to help meet the needs of military-connected students.
General PSCD Resources
- 7mÊÓƵ Learn Course: (Released January 2025) | A self-paced course designed to introduce educators to the PSCD framework and best practices.
- PSCD Annual Calendar and Timeline Recommendations (PDF) | Suggested planning milestones to help campuses stay on track throughout the year.
- Commonly used key terms, definitions, and acronyms for educators (PDF) | A helpful glossary to support a clear understanding of PSCD-related language.
- Texas Law and Policy Requirements to Support Military-Connected Students (PDF) | A summary of relevant legislation and policy expectations.
PSCD Application Support
- PSCD Application Guide (PDF) | A step-by-step guide to completing the application process.
- PSCD Application Overview and Checklist (PDF) | A quick-reference tool to ensure all components are addressed.
- PSCD Campus Self-Assessment: Application Rubric (PDF) | A rubric to help campuses evaluate their readiness and alignment with PSCD criteria.
- PSCD Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) | Answers to common questions about the application and designation process.
- PSCD Application Exemplar PDF | Crucial resource that walks applicants through each application question and sample responses from previously awarded campuses.
PSCD Criteria Support
- Supporting Military-Connected Students: Professional Development Resources and Tools (Component of Criteria 1) | Training and tools to help educators better serve military-connected students.
- PSCD Webpage Requirements for Military Families (Criteria 2) | Guidance on creating a campus webpage that meets PSCD standards.
- PSCD Campus Transition Program Best Practices (Criteria 3) | Examples and strategies for supporting student transitions effectively.
- PSCD Military Initiatives (Criteria 4) | Highlighted programs and partnerships that align with PSCD goals.
Stay up to date with the latest announcements and recognitions related to the Purple Star Campus Designation. This section highlights new communications from state leadership and the 7mÊÓƵ, including the official list of 2025–26 awardees and related correspondence. Check back soon for updates as new information becomes available!
- Released September 4, 2025
- To The Administrator Addressed (TAA) Correspondence Released September 4, 2025
- 2025-26 Purple Star Campus Designation Awardees Released September 2, 2025
Explore past Purple Star Campus Designation awardees and official communications from previous school years. This archive includes designation announcements, To The Administrator Addressed (TAA) correspondence, and award lists dating back to the 2020–21 school year when PSCD was launched. Use this section to review historical recognitions and gain insight into the evolution of the PSCD program over time.
2024-25 School Year
- 2025-26 Purple Star Campus Designation Application and Month of Military Child (MOMC) To The Administrator (TAA)
- To The Administrator Addressed (TAA) Correspondence
2020-21 to 2023-24 School Years
Program Lead: Dr. Ann H Lê (Manager-HMAR)
MilitaryConnectedStudents@tea.texas.gov