Guide to School Options for Military Families

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There are more than 1.1 million K-12 students from military families across the United States. For military families, frequent relocations to different states often involves choosing schools in areas with varying educational landscapes. Navigating these differing school systems can be challenging for any family. Fortunately, there are many resources available to support military families in finding an educational environment that meets their ever-changing needs.

As parents of military students, choosing the best school that meets the needs of not only your student but your family is important. With around 84% of military families indicating that they considered new schools last year, the search for the best fit can feel overwhelming. There are many things to consider, and the purpose of this guide is to provide information that will help with important decisions you face when trying to provide your child a connected, enriching, and meaningful education no matter the location. 

Key Resources for Military Families

As a military family, you might be wondering about the best way to navigate school choices, especially with the frequent moves. While each location creates new opportunities and sometimes challenges, there are resources set aside specifically for military families to help them choose between the school options that are available to them in every state and military base. Some of the resources include: 

School Liaison Officers (SLOs)

Each military base offers families a school liaison officer (SLO) who can help them navigate the local school system in addition to homeschooling and online learning resources nearest to you. SLOs are stationed at every base as the main contact for military families, local school districts, and base school-related leadership. They can help with everything from school registration and special education services to extracurricular activities and youth programs.

Military One Source offers an online search tool that families can use to find their local school liaison officer for each branch and base. 

Transition Support 

Moving frequently can be tough on kids, but many schools offer transition programs specifically for military-connected children to help them adapt to new environments. Programs like Purple Star Schools offer dedicated support for families during these transitions. The Purple Star Schools program is a program that recognizes and provides resources to support the educational needs of children of military families. The Military Child Education Coalition helps military families transition into their school by providing student-led programs, providing a dedicated webpage for military families, and more. Additionally, 4-H Military Partnership offers youth programs for military-connected children in each state.

Flexible Enrollment 

Many states provide flexibility for military families when it comes to school enrollment. For example, the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children allows military children to enroll in new schools even before they arrive at their new location, helping ease the transition. The Interstate Compact is available in all 50 states and provides families with a smooth transition to a new school once relocated. The Interstate Compact helps military families by offering assistance in enrollment, placement, extracurriculars, and graduation.

Some examples of support for military families include flexible placement options, accommodating policies for deployment-related absences, flexible extracurricular registration deadlines, and eased advanced course placement.

Special Needs Services

The Interstate Compact program offers specialized support for students with special needs in military families. For instance, if your child is covered by the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), they are entitled to the same services and support outlined in their most recent IEP at their previous school. Additionally, the new school may reevaluate the student for a new IEP. This support is especially important for military families–in 2022, 26% of active-duty families with K-12 students reported having a child with an IEP, and 16% had a child with a 504 plan.

Besides the special needs resources provided by the Interstate Compact program, there are a wide range of resources available for special needs students that Military OneSource provides families when comparing and selecting a school or program. For example, Military OneSource offers an Education Directory for Children with Special Needs that provides families locate nearest intervention services, resources, and tools.
Additionally, Military One Source employs specialized staff to assist families in addressing educational needs related to special needs, including medical support, educational outreach, and intervention services through the Exceptional Family Member Program and Special Needs Consultants.

Military Families and School Options

So, what are your options as a military family? Nationwide and even overseas, military families can take advantage of many types of schools, including DoDEA schools, traditional public schools, public magnet schools, public charter schools, private schools, online schools, homeschooling, and nontraditional learning environments. Being able to choose any of these options is a form of school choice.

DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) schools are public schools that are run by the U.S. Department of Defense specifically for children of military families. DoDEA schools serve more than 65,000 (9% of K-12 students with active-duty parents) nationwide and are located in both the United States and overseas, offering education to students from pre-K-12. DoDEA schools offer a specialized educational setting designed for military children, regardless of where families are located.

DoDEA schools offer a similar curriculum as any U.S. school and often provide unique support for students who experience frequent relocations. They also offer additional resources like counseling services, special education programs, and extracurricular activities.

Notably, DoDEA schools significantly outperform the national public school average on standardized tests. As such, they are often a popular choice for military families. Families living on the military base where the school is located have enrollment priority, but spots can be available for military families living off-base, if space allows. In practice, however, this is not common.

Traditional public schools are the most common school choice for military children in the U.S., serving nearly 1 million students (70% of K-12 students with active-duty parents) from military families nationwide. School districts across the country typically provide flexibility for military families through open enrollment. Open enrollment refers to the idea that students attend schools outside of their designated district boundaries, which can be especially helpful when families move. Each state sets its own policies on open enrollment, which may include going down to the district level and having districts decide themselves whether they will offer open enrollment. 

Additionally, every state offers something called the Interstate Compact or the Interstate Compact on Education Opportunity for Military Children. The Interstate Compact is essentially an agreement between states that helps students from military families transition between schools when the military family member is stationed in another state. The Interstate Compact can help families with things like enrollment, course and program placement, and graduation. The Interstate Compact can also provide support to families with students with special needs like fast-tracking their IEP appointment process, and more.

Currently, 28 states have varied open enrollment policies that may be flexible or unrestricted. These policies may apply to either inter-district or intra-district transfers and can prioritize students in designated categories. Open enrollment policies can help address the unique housing-related challenges military families face by including specific provisions for military children, adding them to existing priority systems, and/or allowing them to remain in their current school despite a mid-year relocation.


You can read about transfer options for public schools near you in the Guide to Open Enrollment.

Public charter schools are free, public schools that typically have no entry requirements, much like traditional public schools. However, what sets them apart is that charter schools have greater freedom to innovate in their teaching methods.

As of 2022, eight public charter schools operate on military bases across the country. These include Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School in Arkansas, Sonoran Science Academy in Arizona, Manzanita Public Charter School in California, Wheatland Charter Academy in California, Sigsbee Charter School in Florida, LEARN 6 North Chicago in Illinois, Belle Chasse Academy in Louisiana, and Imagine Andrews Public Charter School in Maryland. 

Some charter schools are unique and others operate as part of a large charter network. For example, LEARN 6 North Chicago is part of a charter network based in Washington, D.C. Charter school policies often vary from state to state, and more information can be found in our Ultimate Guide to Public Charter Schools.

Public magnet schools are public schools that operate under school districts (or groups of school districts) and offer students the opportunity to focus on specific learning tracks, such as STEM, medical science, or performing arts. Generally, magnet schools must comply with the Interstate Compact and must allow advanced enrollment and must make accommodations for students during the application process. 


For more information on public magnet schools, visit our Guide to Public Magnet School.

For families looking for another educational experience, private schools or faith-based schools might be a good option. These schools often offer specialized programs or curriculum, such as Montessori, Waldorf, or International Baccalaureate (IB). 


In 2023, approximately 8% of active-duty military families have a child enrolled in private school, which includes online and virtual private schools.

Military families enrolled in private schools may have the option to participate in private school choice programs like education savings accounts and state-run scholarships to help pay for educational expenses like tuition, fees, and more. These states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire,  North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. It is important to note that eligibility for these programs applies only if these states are your state of residence.

In certain states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Utah, and West Virginia, there are special eligibility tracks for active-duty parents. These tracks may allow military parents to become automatically eligible for private school choice programs without needing to be previously enrolled in a traditional public school or having a resident state ID. Typically, families will need to upload their active duty orders when applying and must maintain the participating state as their State of Legal Residency.


For more information on private schools in your state, visit our Guide to Private School.

Homeschooling is also a popular option for military families, with over 455,000 (12% of K-12 students with active-duty parents) families choosing to homeschool their child and more than 50% indicating that they chose homeschooling to give their child a more stable academic experience. Homeschooling can provide military families with the flexibility to tailor their child’s education to their needs, especially during frequent moves. Many military families find this option particularly useful when they are stationed in remote areas or when they need more control over the pacing and structure of their child’s education. In fact, homeschooling rates among active-duty families (13%) are significantly higher than the general U.S. population, with Air Force families (16%) reporting the highest proportion of homeschooled children according to the Blue Star Families 2022 report. 

Homeschooling is a legal option in all 50 states and U.S. territories. It’s good to note that military families are expected to follow the homeschooling policies of the state that they are physically in, not their home state. That means if a family is temporarily stationed in another state, they must follow homeschooling laws in their temporary state. 

“Homeschooling as a military family isn’t about recreating school at home–it’s about creating a learning environment that fits the uniqueness of your life. The beauty is in the flexibility–it can be whatever you need it to be. Find what works best for your family and make it your own.”

-Natalie Mack, Military Home Educator and Consultant

Homeschooling laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to check with local school districts and state regulations to make the switch.

When stationed overseas or in a remote area where there are no DoDEA schools available, families can apply for reimbursement of eligible private school, homeschooling, and extracurricular expenses through the Non-Department of Defense Schools Program (NDSP).

There are several organizations that support homeschooling military families, including the Military Homeschool Association, Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), and United Through Reading. Additionally, there are Facebook groups that share tips and resources such as the Military Homeschoolers Group and Base 2 Base Military Homeschooling Group.

Homeschooling military families may be able to use private school choice programs like education savings accounts and state-run scholarships to help pay for educational expenses. These states include Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Utah. It’s important to note that eligibility for these programs may only apply if these states are your home state. Additionally, if families are temporarily stationed outside of their home state, they can retain their scholarship or education savings account until they return home. 
Additionally, when stationed overseas, homeschooled students of military parents have the option of taking both academic and extracurricular classes at DoDEA schools part-time without formally enrolling. DoDEA schools also offer standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, and advanced placement exams.

For more information on homeschooling in your state, visit our Guide to Homeschooling.
For more resources on homeschooling as a military family, click here.

Online schools are often a popular option among military families who are stationed in areas without DoDEA schools. Some virtual schools are public and tuition-free, while others are private and tuition-based. Full-time online schools are available in 35 states. 

Military families may be eligible to enroll in a statewide online public school even if they are stationed in another state under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. However, if their chosen online school is private, families will generally need to follow residency and enrollment requirements of the state where the school is located. 

You can read more about online schools near you in the Ultimate Guide to Online School.

Some military families have chosen a microschool as their homebase. The basic concept of microschooling is pretty easy to understand: students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Usually, microschools address a local need and are formed when families in the same vicinity bring children similar in age together.

For more information on microschooling in your state, visit our Guide to Microschooling.

Military School Options and Resources Near You

Each state has unique laws and resources for military families related to education. Below is a detailed look at key education policies and support programs in each state.

Alabama

In Alabama, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. The state offers open enrollment, allowing families the flexibility to choose schools outside of their designated districts. 

Additionally, military students may qualify for Alabama’s new Education Savings Account (ESA). The CHOOSE program provides funding for personalized learning and educational expenses, including private or online schools, tutoring, or educational therapy. This can include tuition for private or online schools, tutoring services, and educational therapies.

Alabama is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Alabama, please visit our Alabama State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Alaska

In Alaska, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Alaska is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Alaska, please visit our Alaska State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Arizona

In Arizona, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Arizona, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Arizona is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

There are currently five private school choice programs for families in Arizona, many of which military families can utilize to help pay for private school tuition. For instance, students of active-duty parents are automatically eligible for both the “Switcher” Individual Income Tax Credit Scholarship and the Low-Income Corporate Income Tax Credit program in Arizona.

For more information on navigating school options in Arizona, please visit our Arizona State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Families in Arkansas can participate in the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Accounts program. This program is available to children of active duty military parents and veterans, children of first responders, and students who were enrolled in the previous school year in public schools that received a D or F rating, or in Level 5 Intensive support school districts.

Arkansas is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states. 

Additionally, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education offers a resource hub for military families, including advanced enrollment, military education coordinators, Arkansas military family laws, and more.

For more information on navigating school options in Arkansas, please visit our Arkansas State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

California

In California, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

California is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

For more information on navigating school options in California, please visit our California State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Colorado

In Colorado, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Colorado, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Colorado is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Colorado, please visit our Colorado State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, local online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Connecticut is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Connecticut, please visit our Connecticut State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Delaware

In Delaware, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

The state follows the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) to help military families with school enrollment, class placement, and graduation requirements when relocating.

Delaware also has Purple Star Schools, which are recognized for their commitment to helping military families. Military students can access free online tutoring through Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families, and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) provides programs for students and parents to help with school transitions.

For more information on navigating school options in Delaware, please visit our Delaware State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Washington D.C.

In Washington D.C., military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

For more information on navigating school options in Wyoming, please visit our District of Columbia State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Florida

In Florida, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Florida, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Florida’s Family Empowerment Education Savings Account (ESA) Program provides families with educational funds in an online account that can be used for private school tuition and other learning expenses, such as tutoring and approved local public school courses. For military families, there are no income limits or enrollment caps, making it easier to access these options.

Additionally, dependent children of active-duty military parents receive priority admission to special academic programs, including public magnet schools, advanced studies, advanced placement, dual enrollment, and International Baccalaureate programs. This priority admission applies even if the programs are offered at public schools outside the student’s assigned school.

Florida is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Florida, please visit our Florida State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Georgia

In Georgia, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Active-duty military parents stationed in Georgia temporarily have the option of participating in Georgia’s Promise Scholarship program which allows families with an education savings account to be used for eligible education expenses in an alternative learning environment. 

Georgia has the fifth-largest military population in the United States, with many military-connected students attending schools across the state. To support these families, Georgia follows the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3), which helps ease school transitions by addressing enrollment, placement, and graduation requirements.

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) provides resources to help schools, districts, and families navigate the education system. The Military Family Handbook serves as a guide for military families, offering information on school policies, available support, and transition procedures.

Georgia is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Georgia, please visit our Georgia State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Hawaii is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Hawaii, please visit our Hawaii State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Idaho

In Idaho, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Idaho, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Idaho provides support for military-connected students who frequently move due to service-related relocations. The state follows the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps standardize policies for military students transitioning between states.

Idaho schools follow compact provisions related to education records, course placement, eligibility for extracurricular activities, and graduation requirements. The state also identifies military-connected students through school reporting systems to ensure access to available resources. Additionally, some schools in Idaho participate in the Purple Star School program, which recognizes those that implement support measures for military families.

For more information on navigating school options in Idaho, please visit our Idaho State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Illinois

In Illinois, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, local online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Illinois is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states. Schools in Illinois also implement classroom interventions focused on reinforcing safety, structure, and emotional support for students affected by military deployments.

For more information on navigating school options in Illinois, please visit our Illinois State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Indiana

In Indiana, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Indiana has four private school education programs, including an education savings account, a private school voucher, a tax-credit scholarship, and a deduction program that military families can utilize to help pay for private school tuition.

Indiana is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states. 

For more information on navigating school options in Indiana, please visit our Indiana State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Iowa

In Iowa, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Iowa, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Iowa has three private school education programs, including an education savings account and two tax-credit scholarships that military families can utilize to help pay for private school tuition.

Iowa is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Iowa, please visit our Iowa State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Kansas

In Kansas, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Kansas, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Kansas is home to military-connected students who frequently relocate due to service assignments. To support these students, Kansas was the first state to adopt the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) in 2008, which helps with school enrollment, eligibility, placement, and graduation for military families transitioning between states.

Kansas also offers the Purple Star School Recognition Program, which acknowledges schools that provide dedicated support for military students. Schools earning this designation must meet specific criteria, such as maintaining a military family resource webpage, designating a staff liaison, and implementing student-led transition programs. The Kansas Military Children Education Council (KMCEC) works alongside schools and military communities to address the needs of military families in education.

For more information on navigating school options in Kansas, please visit our Kansas State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Kentucky follows the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) to help military-connected students with school enrollment, course placement, eligibility, and graduation requirements as they transition between schools due to military relocations.

Schools in Kentucky identify military-connected students for federal reporting under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Also, some schools in Kentucky also participate in the Purple Star Award program, which recognizes efforts to support military families in education.

For more information on navigating school options in Kentucky, please visit our Kentucky State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Louisiana

In Louisiana, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Active duty military parents temporarily stationed in Louisiana are eligible for Louisiana’s education savings account program, the LA GATOR program, by providing their active duty orders without needing a state I.D.

Louisiana is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military families with school enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements when transitioning between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Louisiana, please visit our Louisiana State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Maine

In Maine, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Maine participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) to support military-connected students transitioning between schools. The Compact ensures that students can enroll promptly, continue grade-level placement, and meet graduation requirements despite frequent moves. Schools in Maine are required to provide course placement flexibility, waive tuition for eligible students, and grant additional excused absences for military-related family events.

Maine offers additional resources to support military families, including the Maine Military and Community Network, which connects service members with local support services. Military students also have access to free online tutoring through Tutor.com, and organizations like the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) provide resources for academic and emotional support.

For more information on navigating school options in Maine, please visit our Maine State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Maryland

In Maryland, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, local online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Maryland participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) to support military-connected students transitioning between schools. The Compact ensures that students can enroll promptly, continue grade-level placement, and meet graduation requirements despite frequent moves. Schools in Maine are required to provide course placement flexibility, waive tuition for eligible students, and grant additional excused absences for military-related family events.

For more information on navigating school options in Maryland, please visit our Maryland State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Massachusetts participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military-connected students transition between schools by addressing enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation requirements. The state provides guidance to schools on implementing the Compact to support students who frequently relocate due to military assignments.

Massachusetts also allows remote registration for military families and has policies regarding competency determinations for high school students in military households. Schools in the state track military-connected students and offer resources to assist with transitions and academic continuity.

For more information on navigating school options in Massachusetts, please visit our Massachusetts State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Michigan

In Michigan, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Michigan participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military-connected students transition between schools by addressing enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation requirements. The state provides guidance to schools on implementing the Compact to support students who frequently relocate due to military assignments.

For more information on navigating school options in Michigan, please visit our Michigan State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Minnesota provides resources to support military-connected students and their families as they navigate school transitions, mobility, and family separation. Military-connected children may experience unique challenges related to enrollment, placement, and continuity of education.

Minnesota participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military-connected students transition between schools by addressing enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation requirements. The state provides guidance to schools on implementing the Compact to support students who frequently relocate due to military assignments.

For more information on navigating school options in Minnesota, please visit our Minnesota State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, local online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

The Mississippi National Guard offers the State Educational Assistance Program (SEAP) to eligible members. This scholarship program provides families with funds to help pay for career and technical courses at an accredited college or university.

Mississippi participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military-connected students transition between schools by addressing enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation requirements. The state provides guidance to schools on implementing the Compact to support students who frequently relocate due to military assignments.

Mississippi has three private school education programs, including an education savings account and two voucher programs that military families can utilize to help pay for private school tuition.

Additionally, military families can check out their local public school district’s website for additional information and resources. For example, Meridian Public School District offers a page full of resources for relocating military families.

For more information on navigating school options in Mississippi, please visit our Mississippi State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Missouri

In Missouri, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Missouri offers various educational resources for military families, supporting students as they transition between schools. Missouri is also part of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps ease school transitions by addressing enrollment, placement, and graduation challenges. The state recognizes military-friendly schools through the Missouri Purple Star designation, awarded to schools that actively support military students and their families. 

For more information on navigating school options in Missouri, please visit our Missouri State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Montana

In Montana, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, private school, local online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Montana has two private school education programs, including an education savings account and a tax-credit scholarship program that military families can utilize to help pay for private school tuition.

Montana participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military-connected students transition smoothly between schools by addressing issues related to enrollment, placement, and graduation. The compact ensures that military children receive consistent educational opportunities despite frequent relocations.

Montana also recognizes military-friendly schools through the Purple Star School program, which honors schools that provide strong support to military-connected students and their families.

For more information on navigating school options in Montana, please visit our Montana State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Nebraska

In Nebraska, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public magnet school, private school, local online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Nebraska, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Nebraska is part of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps military-connected students transition between schools by addressing challenges related to enrollment, placement, and graduation. The state joined the compact in 2012 to ensure uniform support for military children moving between school districts.

The Nebraska State Council on Educational Opportunity for Military Children oversees the state’s participation in MIC3 and meets annually to advise the Nebraska Department of Education. The council includes representatives from education, the military, and the legislature to ensure military families receive the necessary support for their children’s education.
For more information on navigating school options in Nebraska, please visit our Nebraska State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Nevada

In Nevada, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Nevada participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) to support military-connected students as they transition between schools due to relocations. Approximately 11,000 students in Nevada come from military families, often facing unique educational challenges related to frequent moves and family separations.

The State Council for the Coordination of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children oversees the implementation of MIC3 in Nevada. The Compact ensures uniform policies across states in key areas such as eligibility, enrollment, placement, and graduation. It applies to children of active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders. 

For more information on navigating school options in Nevada, please visit our Nevada State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

New Hampshire is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges faced by children of military families as they transition between schools. The Compact ensures consistency across states in key areas such as enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation.

The Compact applies to children of active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders, and certain veterans for up to a year after discharge, retirement, or passing. It provides provisions for transferring educational records, course placement, special education services, and eligibility for extracurricular activities.

New Hampshire has a private school choice program known as an education freedom account that military families can utilize to help pay for private school tuition.

For more information on navigating school options in New Hampshire, please visit our New Hampshire State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, local online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

New Jersey has over 8,000 school-aged children from military families, including more than 1,500 students with disabilities. Military families frequently move, which can create challenges in education transitions. The New Jersey Department of Education collaborates with local education agencies and military school liaisons to address these challenges.

New Jersey participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which standardizes policies for military-connected students. This includes guidance on enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation requirements. Resources are available to help military families navigate school transitions and access support services.

For more information on navigating school options in New Jersey, please visit our New Jersey State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

New Mexico supports military families by allowing early enrollment for children relocating under official military orders. If families want to enroll in a public school, families must provide proof of residence within 45 days of their published arrival.

The state is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps ease school transitions for military-connected students. New Mexico adopted the compact in 2010, and the New Mexico Children’s Education Council oversees its implementation. The compact addresses challenges such as enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation requirements to provide consistency for students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in New Mexico, please visit our New Mexico State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

New York

In New York, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, local online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

New York participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

The state also recognizes the Month of the Military Child each April, highlighting the experiences of military families and their children. Military-connected students face frequent relocations, requiring schools to provide support with enrollment, placement, and graduation requirements.

For more information on navigating school options in New York, please visit our New York State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

North Carolina has two private school choice programs, an education savings account program for students with disabilities and a voucher program that military families can utilize to help pay for private school tuition. North Carolina’s voucher program, the Opportunity Scholarship, allows active-duty families temporarily stationed in North Carolina to participate in the program without having a state I.D.

North Carolina is home to a large military population, including about 100,000 school-age children of active-duty military, Guard, and Reserve families. The state provides several resources to support military-connected students as they navigate school transitions.

The state has Military Liaison Counselors in four districts near military installations – Craven, Cumberland, Onslow, and Wayne – who offer training and direct support. Each military installation also employs School Liaison Officers to assist families. North Carolina participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, ensuring smooth transitions in enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation for military-connected students.

For more information on navigating school options in North Carolina, please visit our North Carolina State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

For more information on navigating school options in North Dakota, please visit our North Dakota State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Ohio

In Ohio, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Ohio, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. In some cases, there may be fees attached to student transfers. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.
Ohio has eight private school choice programs, including five voucher programs and three tax-credit scholarship programs, all of which military families residing in the state are eligible for.

Ohio military families can find a wide range of educational resources on the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center website. This includes, for example, the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which supports the fast enrollment of students in schools during any point of the academic year.

Many local schools, such as Ohio Connections Academy, also offer scholarships especially for children of military families.

Families can also visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website for more information and local resources.

For more information on navigating school options in Ohio, please visit our Ohio State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Oklahoma, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Oklahoma participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

Military families in Oklahoma also have the option to participate in the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program which provides families with a refundable tax credit to participating families choosing to enroll in an accredited private school or homeschool program. Families may be stationed in Utah and live in another state. Families may also participate if they legally reside in Oklahoma and are temporarily stationed elsewhere.

For more information on navigating school options in Oklahoma, please visit our Oklahoma State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Oregon

In Oregon, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Oregon participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Oregon, please visit our Oregon State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Pennsylvania, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Pennsylvania has two private school choice programs, including two tax-credit scholarship programs, all of which military families residing in the state are eligible for.

The state participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which supports military families students transferring between states more easily.

For more information on navigating school options in Pennsylvania, please visit our Pennsylvania State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, local online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Rhode Island in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which supports military families students transferring between states more easily.

For more information on navigating school options in Rhode Island, please visit our Rhode Island State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

South Carolina

In South Carolina, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

South Carolina has three private school choice programs, including two tax-credit scholarship programs and an education savings account, both of which military families residing in the state are eligible for. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, military families will have a priority application window to apply for the scholarship.

Additional resources for students of military families can be found on the South Carolina National Guard website.

South Carolina participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in South Carolina, please visit our South Carolina State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

South Dakota

In South Dakota military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, private school, local online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

South Dakota offers a wide range of options in educational support for military veterans, as well as for children of military members who were disabled or deceased in the line of duty.

In South Dakota, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

South Dakota participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in South Dakota, please visit our South Dakota State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Tennessee, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Tennessee has two current education savings accounts, all of which military families residing in the state are eligible for. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, military families may be eligible to apply for a new education savings account.

Tennessee participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Tennessee, please visit our Tennessee State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Texas

In Texas, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Texas serves nearly 200,000 military-connected students, making it one of the largest states for military family education. Military children move an average of 6-9 times during their K-12 years, and Texas public and open-enrollment charter schools aim to provide stability through the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps streamline school transitions across state lines.

The Purple Star Campus Designation recognizes schools that offer targeted support for military families, such as dedicated staff training and transition programs. Resources from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) help families navigate enrollment, school transfers, and graduation requirements to ensure continuity in their child’s education.

For more information on navigating school options in Texas, please visit our Texas State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Utah

In Utah, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Utah, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Military families in Utah have the option to participate in the Utah Fits All Scholarship which provides families with educational funds to participating families choosing to enroll in a nonpublic school. Families may be stationed in Utah and live in another state. Families may also participate if they legally reside in Utah and are temporarily stationed elsewhere.

Utah participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Utah, please visit our Utah State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Vermont

In Vermont, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In Vermont, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

Vermont participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Vermont, please visit our Vermont State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Virginia

In Virginia, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Virginia is home to over 77,000 military-connected students. With major military bases throughout the state, Virginia schools provide support for families navigating frequent moves, deployments, and reintegration. The state participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which helps with smooth school transitions for military students.

Military families in Virginia have access to School Liaison Officers (SLOs), who provide support on state and local education policies, school enrollment, and resources. For students with special needs, Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Managers offer assistance in accessing specialized services. Additionally, the Purple Star Designation Program recognizes schools that demonstrate strong commitments to supporting military students and their families.

For more information on navigating school options in Virginia, please visit our Virginia State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Washington

In Washington, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Washington participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Washington, please visit our Washington State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

In West Virginia, military families have the option of participating in open enrollment, meaning families can apply to enroll their children in a public school outside their assigned neighborhood school—even in a different school district. However, military families must apply during the designated enrollment period, just like all other families in the state.

West Virginia military families who temporarily relocate out of state are now eligible for the Hope Scholarship program in West Virginia, which allows students who are currently enrolled in public school or who are about to enter kindergarten to use their education tax dollars for private school tuition, tutoring, educational therapy, and other educational expenses. Now, Hope Scholarship military families can retain their funds while stationed outside of the state.

West Virginia participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in West Virginia, please visit our West Virginia State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts. Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, public magnet school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Wisconsin participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Wisconsin, please visit our Wisconsin State Roadmap to explore the available choices.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, military families have a wide range of school options both on and off military posts.

Families have the option of choosing traditional public school, public charter school, private school, online schools, homeschooling, and microschools.

Wyoming has an education savings account that military families can utilize to help pay for private school tuition, fees, and more as long as they are residents of the state.

Wyoming participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses educational challenges for military-connected students transferring between states.

For more information on navigating school options in Wyoming, please visit our Wyoming State Roadmap to explore the available choices.