Texas Tech K-12 Designated Purple Star Campus for '24-'25

LUBBOCK, TX – Texas Tech K-12, the fully online kindergarten through 12th-grade program of Texas Tech University, has been recognized as a Purple Star Campus for the 2024-2025 school year, honoring its commitment to supporting students from military families.

This prestigious designation, awarded to schools that demonstrate significant efforts in aiding military-connected students, was first earned by Texas Tech K-12's high school in 2019, the same year the program was established by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Since then, the elementary and middle schools have also been recognized. Texas Tech K-12 is the only public school in Education Service Center Region 17, which serves 64 districts and charter schools in West Texas, to receive the designation this year. In total, 541 schools statewide earned the distinction for 2024-2025.

"We are exceptionally proud of Texas Tech K-12’s recognition as a Purple Star Campus," said Texas Tech Provost Ron Hendrick. "This designation reflects our deep commitment to serving military families and ensuring their students receive the support and resources they need to succeed academically. Our online delivery allows families continuity for students whose lives are often impacted by the challenges of military service. We are privileged to contribute to their educational journey."

To receive a Purple Star designation, campuses must meet a stringent set of criteria. This includes appointing a campus-based military liaison, developing a webpage with resources for military-connected families, instituting a transition program for these students, and supporting military family assistance initiatives.

"We are honored to be designated a Purple Star Campus, as it shows our commitment to working with military families," said Texas Tech K-12 Principal Cari Moye. "We know that students of military families often encounter frequent transitions and obstacles unique to those families. We work to give extra support and make the transition as smooth as possible. Online school allows military families the flexibility they often need, and we are honored to support them."

According to a release from Gov. Abbott's office, there was a 202% increase in the number of campuses receiving the designation compared to the previous year, highlighting Texas schools’ growing commitment to the nearly 200,000 military-connected students across the state.

All public schools in Texas are eligible to apply for the Purple Star designation, regardless of the size of their military-connected student population. The designation lasts for two years, with applications accepted annually.