The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has announced that the application window for the 2027-29 Military Star School designation cycle will open Dec. 1. Mississippi schools looking to earn or renew this prestigious designation have until Feb. 15, 2027, to complete and submit their applications.
Established in 2022 by Gov. Tate Reeves, the Mississippi Military Star School Program recognizes K-12 campuses that demonstrate a major commitment to supporting military-connected families. The program is designed to help schools navigate the unique educational and social-emotional challenges children of active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members face when transitioning to a new school environment.
To qualify for the two-year designation, applicant schools must meet rigorous criteria established by the state, including:
- Appointing a dedicated school liaison to assist military families
- Providing student-led transition services and peer-support programs
- Ensuring professional development for faculty and staff to address the unique needs of military students
- Publicly recognizing service members and their families through school events and initiatives
For this upcoming cycle, the MDE is continuing the use of the Mississippi Star School Application Portal to streamline the submission process introduced during the last application cycle. All training and application requirements must be fully completed within the designated window.
State education officials highly encourage school administrators to review the application fields and instructions ahead of time. Applicants are advised to prepare and format uploadable documentation in advance to ensure a smooth submission process before the Feb. 15 deadline.
With more than 100 schools across Mississippi currently holding the Military Star School distinction, the state continues to expand its network of military-friendly education partners, ensuring military-connected youth remain college, workforce, and life-ready.
For detailed application instructions and to access the portal, visit the official MDE’s Military Star School Program webpage on Dec. 1.