Thirteen Alaska Schools Awarded Purple Star School Designation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2025

JUNEAU, AK - Thirteen Alaska schools have earned the designation of Purple Star Schools for 2025 - 2028 in recognition of their support for military-connected families.

Of the thirteen schools, three are earning the designation for the first time. Ten were part of Alaska's inaugural class of Purple Star Schools in 2022.

"Alaska is proud to have a strong connection with our nation's military. When a parent serves, it impacts the whole family and often that means frequent moves and new schools for children," said Governor Mike Dunleavy. "I am grateful for these schools going above and beyond to meet the unique needs of military-connected families in Alaska."

"We are incredibly proud of the outstanding dedication these schools have shown to our military-connected students and their families," said Commissioner Deena Bishop. "Their work is a powerful example of what it means to truly serve those who serve our country-something we should all strive to emulate as educators, Alaskans, and Americans."

The 2025 - 2028 class of Purple Star Schools include ( * denotes first time designation):

Anchorage School District

• Gruening Middle School*
• Chugiak High School*
• Eagle River High School

Fairbanks North-Star Borough School District

• Lathrop High School
• North Pole High School
• North Pole Middle School
• Tanana Middle School
• Anderson-Crawford Elementary
• Arctic Light Elementary
• Chinook Montessori Charter*
• Discovery Peak Charter
• West Valley High School

Kodiak Island Borough School District

To be recognized as a Purple Star School, schools must maintain a dedicated page on their website with resources for military families, have an Active Youth Sponsorship Club (Welcoming Committee) and have a Military Family Point of Contact. In addition to these three requirements, schools must conduct at least one additional activity that demonstrates support of military children and families.

The Purple Star Advisory Board formed by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development determines a school's eligibility for the award after the December 31 application deadline. Designees are announced in April, the Month of the Military Child.

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The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development provides information, resources, and leadership to support over 130,000 students in 505 public schools across the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to ensure an "Excellent Education for Every Student Every Day."

Media Contact: Bryan Zadalis, Public Information Officer - (907) 465-2800