Military Families and Purple Star Schools
Overview
Utah has adopted the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3). Utah aims to facilitate smooth transitions for the families of our active duty, Guard, and reserve personnel. As part of our efforts to serve the military community, Utah is proud to join a growing number of states throughout the nation to recognize Purple Star Schools – schools that go the extra mile to provide smooth transitions for military families.
Utah Code Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children The purpose of this compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents.
Utah State Board of Education Administrative Rules R277-929. State Council on Military Children The purpose of this rule is to establish a state council for military children; and establish a purple star schools designation for Utah schools meeting eligibility criteria.
Purple Star Schools Powerpoint Overview
Utah's Current Purple Star Schools List
2026 Purple Star Schools List (includes all schools)
Google Map for all Purple Star Schools in Utah
Application for Purple Star Schools
Applications for 2026 have completed. Applications for the 2027 school year will be accepted for new schools again on January 15, 2027 and run through March 31, 2027. In addition, returning schools will submit their annual report which will also be due on March 31, 2027.
It is important to note that an application for PSS denotes programs which are currently in place and in practice for military
Reports for Purple Star Schools
A Study of the Purple Star School Designation Program Summary ReportEvery year, approximately 200,000 military-connected students in the United States transition into new schools. As cited in the 2021 CPRL report, military-connected students face a host of academic and socioemotional challenges due to frequent moves and other related circumstances
Resources
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) Utah This is the website for the commission information including members, meeting dates and times, end of year reports and minutes.
Utah Code 53G-6-306 Permitting attendance by nonresident of the state -- Tuition. Describes the rights for nonresident children of the uniformed services or DOD civilians to attend school.
4-H Military Partnerships The 4-H Military Partnership is a supportive collaboration between military and land-grant university partners whose mission is to integrate research-based 4-H positive youth development programs for military-connected children, youth and families.
Utah PTA Military Families PTA provides resources and opportunities for enriching activities for the service men and their families. Military families bring a richness of experience to their schools, their communities, and their PTA units. Contact: Jennie Taylor militaryfamilies@utahpta.org
Resources for Schools by Schools
Alpine School District Resources for Schools and Families
Resources for Educators
Resources for Families
Davis School District Resources
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- Airman & Family Readiness Center-AFRC Facebook or Facebook
- Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission MIC3
- Base Housing Hill Housing or Base Directory
- Tutor (Free Tutoring Academic Support) Military Tutor
- Starbase Hill AFB Starbase Hill
- Military One Source
- National Military Family Association
- Sesame Street for Military
- Blue Star Families
- Military Family Life Counselors-MFLCs
- United Through Reading
- Gold Star Families
- United Service Organization -USO
- Wounded Warrior Project
- Veterans Administration
- U.S. Dept. of Education for Military Families & Vets or Veterans And Military Families
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General Resources for PSS
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- Military One Source Assists families if finding needed resources, financial assistance, and assistance for things like: Non-medical counseling, education and career, health and wellness, transitioning veterans, financial consultation, elder care, special needs, transition, adoption, education wounded warrior and much more. www.militaryonesource.milor 500-342-9647
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Additional Resources
Mental Health Resources
KidsMentalHealthFoundation.org/Military
Purple Star Schools Military Child Education Coalition® (MCEC)'s Resources for states seeking to start a Purple Star School program.
Purple Star School Orientation -YouTube given by Ben Rasmussen, Utah Military Interstate Children's Commission (MIC3) Commissioner
Calendar
May 13, 2026 – Children of Fallen Patriots Day – A Day to honor the children left behind by the brave men and women who gave their lives while defending our freedom.
May 16, 2026 – Armed Forces Day – Observed on the third Saturday every May, this is a day dedicated to paying tribute to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
May 25, 2026 – Memorial Day – A solemn occasion to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military.
June 14, 2026 – Flag Day – A Day to celebrate the adoption of the U.S. flag.
July 4, 2026 – Independence Day
Aug. 7, 2026 – Purple Heart Day – A time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Sept. 11, 2026 – Patriot Day – An annual observance to remember and honor those who were injured or killed during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.