The South Carolina Department of Education provides support to military families in South Carolina by awarding Purple Star designation to schools and school districts that show a significant commitment to supporting military families and students of servicemen and women. Designated schools/districts will have met specific requirements, targeted training (provided by the Military Child Education Coalition), and implemented programs and resources designed to support the unique situations facing military students and families.

Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is the national advocate for Purple Star Schools, a program that supports military-connected children as they relocate to new schools due to a parent’s change in duty station. 

Military children move every two to three years. The Purple Star School 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-connected refers to children of service members on active duty, and in the National Guard and Reserves. 

MCEC is the nation’s most complete resource for states seeking to start a Purple Star School program.