Eight Mississippi public schools have been recognized as Military Star Schools for the 2026-28 school years. The Mississippi Department of Education announced the new designations, which include Hattiesburg High School, Callaway High School, Jim Hill High School, Baxterville School, Lumberton Elementary, Sumrall High School, New Hope Lower Elementary, and Ocean Springs High School.
The department said these schools meet specific requirements aimed at supporting military students and their families. Criteria include appointing a school liaison for military families, offering student-led transition services and peer support, providing staff professional development on military-related needs, and publicly acknowledging service members and their families.
Gov. Tate Reeves established the Military Star School program in February 2022. At that time, Mississippi was one of 31 states with a formal recognition program for schools supporting military families. Last year, 18 schools earned the designation for 2025-27.
The program aims to help schools address the educational and social-emotional challenges faced by military-connected children during transitions. The designation remains valid for two years, with schools able to reapply to maintain it. New applicants can submit their applications from Dec. 1, 2026, to Feb. 15, 2027.
Currently, Mississippi has 103 Military Star Schools. The full list of designated schools is available on the Mississippi Department of Education’s website.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
