31 Mississippi education centers have been recognized as 2024-2026 Military Star Schools.
The designation, which came from the Mississippi Department of Education, recognizes schools that have made a significant commitment to supporting military families and children of service members.
Military Star Schools must meet specific requirements that address the unique needs of military students and families, including:
- Appointing a dedicated school liaison for military families
- Providing student-led transition services and peer support
- Ensuring professional development for staff to respond to the needs of military students and families
- Publicly recognizing service members and their families.
Republican Governor Tate Reeves established the Military Star School program in February 2022 through Executive Order 1561, making Mississippi one of 31 states at the time with a formal program to recognize schools that support military families. In 2023, 61 schools earned the designation for 2023-25.
The program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school and keep them on track to be college, workforce, and life-ready.
Military Star School status remains in effect for two years. Schools can reapply to maintain the designation. New schools can apply to receive the designation in 2025.
The full list of Mississippi’s Military Star Schools can be found here.