Purple Star School Program
Citizens Arizona Academy is proud to support military families as a Purple Star High School
Starting at Citizens Arizona Academy
Military Family Resources
STEP ONE
The first step for all students is to email your previous transcripts to admissions@citizenshighschool.com for a free transfer credit evaluation and diploma pathway projection. ↓
STEP TWO
Review the Transcript Evaluation and Graduation Pathway and sign up for a “free” 30-minute Consultation Call with an admissions specialist to go over your Transcript Evaluation and plan out your pathway to graduation.
Transition Planning is 100% completed before you enroll
STEP THREE
At CHS AZ Academy you can choose to graduate with an 18 Credit Career Diploma Program or a 24 Credit College Diploma Program
Whether you are a Freshman or Transferring to Citizens Arizona Academy, we encourage you to schedule a 15-to-30-minute meeting with an Admissions Specialist to go over any questions concerning the Citizens or the student’s pathway to graduation plan.
Eric Westerhold serves as the Military Point of Contact for Citizens High School (CHS), bringing over a decade of leadership experience from both the U.S. Army and the corporate sector. With a strong background in mentorship, military engagement, and team development, Eric is committed to supporting military-connected students and ensuring they have a clear pathway to graduation and after graduation goals.
Military Events at Citizens Arizona Academy
- Two Graduation dates
- Graduates Entering the Military are honored
- Virtual celebration of 2025 Veteran Day
- April is Purple Up Month
About Our CEO Dr. Jim Etter
- Dr. Jim Etter is the Founder of American Military University, American Public University, Ukraine Online Academy and currently the CEO of Citizens High School.
- Prior to founding AMU, Jim was both enlisted and commission officer in the United States Marine Corps (“USMC”). He served three years as an enlisted Marine including a combat tour in the Vietnam War and the award of two Purple Hearts. Jim left the Marines in 1969 and used his GI Bill benefits to earn his Bachelors Degree and then re-enter the Marines as a commissioned officer.
- Jim officer career was as a Naval Flight Officer with over 2,000 flight hours in the F-4 Phantom, a Top Gun graduate and a primary instructor at the USMC Expeditionary Warfare School.
- Dr. Etter holds an honorary doctorate from American Military University, an M.A. in History from George Mason University and a B.A. in History from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a graduate of the United States Naval War College.
Sign up for a 30-minute consultation call with a CHS Admissions Specialist to review your transcript
Send your previous high school transcript to CHS as soon as possible
Peer to Peer Program
At Citizens High School (CHS), we know that transitioning to an online learning environment can be a big adjustment. That’s why we offer a Peer-to-Peer Program, where new or prospective students can sign up for a virtual tour of our courses led by current CHS students.
During the call, a member of our student body, along with a CHS team member, will walk students through how to navigate their classes, access resources, and manage their coursework successfully. More importantly, they’ll get a student’s perspective on what it’s like to earn a diploma online and tips on staying motivated.
📌 Interested in a virtual tour? Sign up today and connect with a current CHS student to see what online learning is all about!
Help Make This Site Better
Do you have suggestions on how to improve this site for our military families and students? Please send your feedback to Eric Westerhold, who maintains this site, at eric.westerhold@citizenshighschool.com
Frequently Asked Military Star Program Questions
📌 Enrollment & Eligibility
Yes! CHS is fully accredited and recognized as a Tier 1 high school, meaning our diploma meets enlistment and college entrance requirements.
📌 Military Benefits & Support
- A dedicated Military Point of Contact to help with enrollment and resources.
- A Peer-to-Peer Program, where students can connect with current CHS students for virtual course tours and success tips.
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate moves, deployments, and transitions.
📌 Academics & Course Structure
📌 Getting Started
📌 Still Have Questions?
Schedule a call with a CHS Admission Specialist or Contact CHS Student Services at 800-736-4723
