Dozens of ‘Military Friendly’ Schools in San Diego County Earn Purple Star Status

More than 80 schools have been designated as new Purple Star Schools – most of them in San Diego County – bringing the total number of California schools bearing the label to 179.

The California Purple Star School Designation Program, which began two years ago, publicly designates military-friendly schools.

The goal is to reduce the burden on military-connected students by identifying campuses that provide the best transition support since they often have to move due to their parents’ or guardians’ commitments as service members.

The Purple Star Program is a way, according to the state, “to publicly recognize and designate schools that meet certain requirements.” It also signals which schools are the most committed and best equipped to meet “the unique needs of (military) students and their families.”

“These schools are crucial to supporting our military-connected students, ensuring that they maintain their academic, college, and career aspirations while their parents serve our country,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

The 83 new Purple Star Schools are located in 11 California counties, but almost half of them are in San Diego County.

As identified by the state, the new designees are part of several school districts or are located within the district’s boundaries, including:

• San Diego Unified – Canyon Hills High, Challenger Middle, Dana Middle, Dewey Elementary, Farb Middle, Mason Elementary, Miller Elementary, Mira Mesa High, Montgomery Middle, Pacific Beach Middle, Reformation Lutheran Church and School, San Diego Cooperative Charter and Sessions Elementary.
• San Diego County Office of Education – Monarch School, San Diego County Community, San Diego County Court and San Pasqual Academy.
• Carlsbad Unified – Carlsbad High, Carlsbad Seaside Academy and Carlsbad Village Academy.
• Chula Vista Elementary – Camarena Elementary, Fahari L. Jeffers Elementary, Hedenkamp Elementary, Heritage Elementary and Muraoka Elementary.
• Poway Unified – Creekside Elementary and Twin Peaks Middle.
• Santee – Chet F. Harritt Elementary and PRIDE Academy at Prospect Avenue.
• South Bay Union – Emory Elementary and Imperial Beach Charter.
• Vista Unified: Bella Mente Montessori Academy, Mission Vista High and Vista High.
• Warner Springs Unified – California Pacific Charter and Sage Oak Charter School, South.
• Other: Fallbrook High, Fallbrook Union High; Christ Lutheran Elementary, La Mesa-Spring Valley; Lakeside Farms Elementary, Lakeside Union Elementary; Compass Charter Schools of San Diego, Mountain Empire Unified, and Coastal Academy Charter, Oceanside Unified.