Jefferson City News

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Missouri Purple Star designation. This recognition, now in its fourth year, honors school districts and individual schools that have shown a significant commitment to supporting military families.

The following school districts have been awarded the Purple Star designation for 2025: Cole County R-V School District, Henry County R-I School District, Holden R-III School District, Laquey R-V School District, Plato R-V School District, Risco R-II School District, Sedalia School District 200, Southern Boone School District, and Waynesville R-VI School District.

Additionally, sixteen schools received the designation. These include East Middle School (Joplin Schools), Fort Zumwalt East High School (Fort Zumwalt School District), Heber Elementary (Sedalia School District 200), Horace Mann Elementary (Sedalia School District 200), Loftus Early Childhood Center (Sedalia School District 200), Maple Grove Elementary School (Warrensburg R-VI School District), Martin Warren Elementary School (Warrensburg R-VI School District), Parkview Elementary (Sedalia School District 200), Ridge View Elementary (Warrensburg R-VI School District), Sedalia Middle School (Sedalia School District 200), Skyline Elementary (Sedalia School District 200), Smith-Cotton Junior High (Sedalia School District 200), Sterling Elementary (Warrensburg R-VI School District), Warrensburg High School (Warrensburg R-VI School District), Warrensburg Middle School (Warrensburg R-VI School District) and Washington Elementary(Sedalia School District 200).

“This program is just one way to reiterate our state’s commitment to our service members,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “As we kick off April as the Month of the Military Child, it is an honor to award these Purple Star designations. Each of the schools and districts works to support service members and their families in their local community while also ensuring military children are prepared for success later in life.”

Awardees will be recognized at an event on April 1st at the Capitol Rotunda hosted by DESE and the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission. The Purple Star designation acknowledges educational institutions that cater specifically to students connected with military families including active duty personnel, National Guard or Reserve members, and veterans.

For more information about how schools can qualify for this distinction visit DESE's Missouri Purple Star Schools webpage.