DELAWARE – Ten Delaware schools have earned the 2025 Purple Star School designation, recognizing their efforts to support the unique educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected children.
The honored schools, five in the Caesar Rodney School District and five in the Lake Forest School District, will be recognized this afternoon as Governor Matt Meyer signs a proclamation declaring April as the Month of the Military Child. The national observance highlights the sacrifices military-connected children make as their families serve the country. The recognized schools are:
Caesar Rodney School District:
Allen Frear Elementary
David E. Robinson Elementary
Major George S. Welch Elementary
Nellie Stokes Elementary
Star Hill Elementary
Lake Forest School District:
Lake Forest Central Elementary
Lake Forest East Elementary
Lake Forest North Elementary
Lake Forest South Elementary
W.T. Chipman Middle School
Jennifer Davis, Delaware commissioner for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, praised the schools for taking action to meet the challenges faced by military families.
“Military members’ children make sacrifices just like their parents and caregivers, missing time with their loved ones when they are deployed overseas and sometimes making frequent school transitions when their families’ military stations change,” Davis said. “These children face challenges and have needs unique to their non-military peers. I thank these schools for recognizing the hardships and seeking ways to better support these students.”
At Frear Elementary, a school counselor runs peer-to-peer support groups that help students dealing with a parent’s deployment or adjusting to a new school. These groups aim to foster connection and develop coping strategies in a safe space.
W.T. Chipman Middle School cited structured transition programs, peer mentorship, and active family engagement as part of its comprehensive approach to supporting military-connected students.
To receive the Purple Star designation, schools must:
Assign a staff member as a military liaison
Offer professional development for staff on the needs of military-connected youth
Provide web-based resources and maintain a designated military families webpage
Create transition programs for new students
Host recognition events or support programs for military-connected families
The Purple Star designation in Delaware is valid for three years.
