The Diocese of Salina
JUNCTION CITY, Kansas — St. Francis Xavier School, a Catholic school of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salina, has been recognized as a Kansas Purple Star School by the Kansas State Board of Education during its meeting on March 10, 2026.
With this recognition, St. Francis Xavier becomes the first private school in the State of Kansas to apply for and receive the Purple Star designation, an honor recognizing schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
Located just outside Fort Riley, St. Francis Xavier School serves a large military population, with more than 60 percent of its students coming from military families.
“Serving military families is deeply woven into the fabric of our school community,” said Shawn Augustine, principal of St. Francis Xavier. “Because so many of our students come from Fort Riley, we strive to ensure every new family feels welcomed, supported, and connected from the moment they arrive.”
To earn the Purple Star designation, schools must demonstrate several commitments to military families, including providing resources for transitioning students, designating a military family liaison, offering professional development for staff, and implementing student support systems that help new students build relationships quickly.
At St. Francis Xavier, many of these initiatives are already part of the school’s culture. The school hosts annual Veterans Day celebrations, participates in the Month of the Military Child, and provides intentional peer support for students transitioning into the community. In addition, the school’s close-knit environment allows staff and students to form strong relationships that ease the challenges of frequent moves.
The recognition was approved unanimously by the Kansas State Board of Education following a presentation from school leaders, staff, and military families who shared how the school supports students connected to military service.
“Catholic schools have long played an important role in serving families who serve our nation,” said Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Salina. “St. Francis Xavier Catholic School reflects the best of that tradition—welcoming military families with faith, compassion, and a strong sense of community. We are proud of their commitment to ensuring that every student feels known, supported, and valued.”
Founded in 1871, St. Francis Xavier School serves students from preschool through grade 12, providing a faith-centered education rooted in academic excellence and service.
The Purple Star recognition affirms the school’s ongoing mission to serve students and families—especially those who make sacrifices in service to our nation.