Rights, Protections & Resources For Homeless Students

You may qualify for certain rights & protections under the federal McKinney-Vento act.

If you live in any of the following situations: 

• Staying in a shelter
• In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
• Living in a car, park, abandon building, or bus or train station
• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

Eligible students have the right to:

• Receive a free, appropriate public education.
• Immediately enroll in school, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
• Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
• Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently house or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is their preference.
  • If the school district believes that the school selected is not in his/her best interest, then the district must provide the student with a written explanation of its position and inform the student of his/her right to appeal its decision.
• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the students’ needs.

If you believe you may be eligible, contact the local liaison to find out what services and supports may be available.

If you need further assistance with your educational needs, contact the National Center for Homeless Education: