Military Information

The South Department of Education supports military families throughout the state of South Carolina by awarding the 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, received targeted training
provided by the agency. Districts and schools will also implement programs and resources that are designed to support the unique situations experienced by our military students and families.

Purple Star Designated Districts

Purple Star Criteria

Military Spouse Teacher Certification: To assist educators who may be required to change residence and employment on short notice due to military service, the Office of Educator Services provides expedited processing of certification applications for spouses of active duty military service members assigned to South Carolina.

Military Honor Cords Ceremony for SC High School Seniors: The SC Department of Education hosts an annual appreciation ceremony to publicly recognize high school seniors who will be or have enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces or attending one of our distinguished military service academies. Seniors who have chosen to serve our country are presented with white, and blue graduation honor cords of which they wear during their high school graduation ceremonies.

Purple Up! (April): Military families help sustain our fighting force, on whom we depend on for the security and safety of our nation. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child or “Purple Up! For Military Kids”, and across the nation, states and school districts will celebrate the important role of military children while their service member parents serve our country through special events and wearing the color purple.

Military: Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission

Remote School Enrollment: This law requires a school district to accept electronic school enrollment for children of military personnel who are transferred to a military installation within the state of South Carolina while on active military duty (a pupil would be considered a resident of the school district). The parent or legal guardian must provide proof of residence to the school district, after arrival, on official documentation. Any ambiguity in construing the provisions of this bill must be resolved in favor of the enrolling pupil.