Texas Tech K-12, the fully online school offered by Texas Tech University, has been designated a Purple Star Campus for the 2024-2025 school year. This prestigious designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting students from military families.
Background on the Purple Star Campus Designation
The Purple Star Campus designation was established in 2019 by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as a way to recognize schools that effectively serve military-connected students. Texas Tech K-12’s high school was the first to receive this designation, with the elementary and middle schools following suit in subsequent years. In total, 541 schools across Texas achieved this honor this year, and Texas Tech K-12 is notably the only public school to earn the designation within Education Service Center Region 17, which encompasses 64 districts and charter schools in West Texas.
Commitment to Military Families
Provost Ron Hendrick expressed pride in the designation, stating, “This designation reflects our deep commitment to serving military families and ensuring their students receive the support and resources they need to succeed academically.” The online format of Texas Tech K-12 offers continuity for students whose education may be disrupted due to the challenges associated with military service.
To achieve the Purple Star designation, schools must meet rigorous criteria, which include:
- Establishing a campus-based military liaison.
- Creating a dedicated webpage with resources for military-connected families.
- Instituting a campus transition program for military-connected students.
- Supporting a military family assistance initiative.
Principal’s Perspective
Cari Moye, the principal of Texas Tech K-12, highlighted the significance of the recognition, saying, “We are honored to be designated a Purple Star Campus, as it shows our commitment to working with military families.” She acknowledged the unique challenges faced by students from military families, emphasizing the school’s efforts to provide additional support and facilitate smooth transitions.
Educational Goals
The overarching goal of Texas Tech K-12 is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practices of a critically-minded social scientist, enhancing their educational experience beyond traditional knowledge acquisition. For K-5 students, this includes addressing communication skills through language arts targets, which cover reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Growing Support for Military-Connected Students
Governor Abbott’s office noted that the increase in Purple Star designations represents a 202% rise from the previous year, underscoring Texas schools’ unwavering commitment to the nearly 200,000 military-connected students and their families in the state. All Texas public school campuses are eligible for the Purple Star Designation, regardless of their military-connected student population, and applications are accepted annually, with the designation valid for two years.
