2 Santee Schools Earn Purple Star Designation

SANTEE, CA — Two Santee schools were deemed "military-friendly schools" by the California Department of Education.

Chet F. Harritt and PRIDE Academy were named Purple Star Schools for 2025.

"Military-connected students face unique challenges, including frequent relocations and transitions. By designating our schools as Purple Star Schools, we affirm our commitment to understanding and addressing these challenges," Santee School District Superintendent Dr. Kristin Baranski said in a statement. "These schools will serve as a beacon of support, demonstrating our dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and community for our military families."

San Diego County is home to about half of the California schools designated as 2025 Purple Star Schools.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced last week that 83 schools were designated as Purple Star Schools for this year, bringing the total number of California schools recognized with this honor to 179 since the program's inception in 2023. The California Purple Star School Designation Program honored 41 schools in the San Diego region.

"Congratulations to the educators, staff, administrators, parents, and students at these schools," Thurmond said in a statement. "These schools are crucial to supporting our military-connected students, ensuring that they maintain their academic, college, and career aspirations while their parents serve our country."

The Purple Star Program seeks to reduce the burden on military-connected students and their families by articulating the most critical transition supports available, according to the California Department of Education. The program is a way to publicly recognize and designate schools that are committed and best equipped to meet the unique needs of these students and their families.