Three area schools are among 59 honored throughout California for going above and beyond in supporting military-connected students and their families.

Loma Portal Elementary, Correia Middle, and Point Loma High were named California Purple Star schools for 2023, the second year the recently created honor has been bestowed.

“San Diego Unified is proud to support our military-connected students and their families, and our schools are committed to meeting their needs by providing a high-quality education,” said Board of Education President Sabrina Bazzo. “The Purple Star designation is a testament to that commitment, and a reminder each day of the distinct privilege we have to serve those who serve our nation.”

Studies conducted by U.S. military services show students of members typically change schools between six and nine times from kindergarten through high school, three times as often as non-military children. These changes, sometimes to different states, countries, and cultures, force youngsters to adapt to varying cultures, school populations, curricula, standards, course offerings, schedules, and graduation requirements.

A total of 12 schools in the San Diego Unified School District were recognized. San Diego is home to one of the largest concentrations of military-connected personnel in the nation, and nearly 8,000 San Diego Unified students have a parent serving in the armed forces.

In addition to providing streamlined enrollment and graduation support for students moving in or out of the state, San Diego Unified partners with school liaison officers from the U.S. Navy and Marines, and has dedicated military family life counselors at several schools to better support military families.

“These schools are examples of best practices in supporting our military-connected students, ensuring staff provides students with crucial academic, college, and career supports while their parents serve our country,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.