The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military-connected students and families. The Purple Star program is managed by the NC Department of Public Instruction and renewed annually. Schools earning the Purple Star Award are required to have a designated point of contact for military students and families, a designated central administration staff member supporting the point of contact in the school, and conduct annual professional development addressing special considerations for military students and families. Additionally, Purple Star schools provide a dedicated online webpage for military family resources and optional activities that support military students, as well as a transition program to support inbound and outbound military students and families including a checklist.