McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act

Rights of Students Experiencing Homelessness

Information for School-Aged Youth and Families

📌 Need Help Right Now?

If you or your child are experiencing housing instability, support is available.
Students experiencing homelessness have the right to enroll in school immediately and receive services.

Polaris Charter School Homeless Liaison
Jennifer Murdock-Smith, Director

📧 director@polarischarterschool.org
📞 (603) 634-0034

Who Is Eligible?

A student may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act if they are living in any of the following situations:

• Temporarily doubled up with friends or family due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason

• Living in a motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of adequate housing

• Living in an emergency, temporary, or transitional shelter

• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or similar settings

• A youth not residing with a legal parent or guardian who is living in one of the situations listed above

ℹ️Students in these circumstances are entitled to specific rights and protections under federal law

Student Rights

Students experiencing homelessness have the right to:

• Attend school regardless of where they live or how long they have lived there

• Enroll immediately and participate fully in all school activities while records are being obtained

• Continue attending the school of origin (the school attended before becoming homeless or the last school attended), if it is in the student’s best interest and feasible

• Receive transportation to the school of origin upon request

• Access the same educational programs and services as other students, including special education services, if eligible

• Enroll in school without a permanent address; schools may not require proof of residency that would delay enrollment

• Attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school, immunization, or other required records

• Receive free breakfast and lunch for the entire school year

If Your Living Situation Changes

When a student moves:

• Contact the school district’s local Homeless Education Liaison for help enrolling in a new school or continuing at the current school

  • The liaison, shelter provider, or a social worker may also assist with clothing, school supplies, and other needs

• Communicate with teachers about any information that may help support the student’s success in school

Dispute Resolution Process

If a parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth disagrees with a school placement decision:

• An appeal may be made by contacting the school principal

• If the dispute remains unresolved, the New Hampshire State Coordinator for Homeless Education may be contacted

• Unaccompanied youth will be supported throughout the appeal process by the local Homeless Liaison, as required by McKinney-Vento law

For additional details, please refer to the New Hampshire State-Level Dispute Resolution Process for students experiencing homelessness.

Contact Information

Polaris Charter School – Local Homeless Liaison
Jennifer Murdock-Smith, Director

📧  director@polarischarterschool.org
📞 (603) 634-0034

New Hampshire State Coordinator for Homeless Education
Christina Dotson
📧 Christina.L.Dotson@doe.nh.gov
📞 (603) 271-3840

Information on this page is provided by the National Center for Homeless Education and the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Additional information is available through NCHE and the NH Department of Education’s Homeless Children and Youth Program.

Resources for Parents and Unaccompanied Youth

The following resources provide helpful information about student rights, available services, and school support.

Educational Information

• Educational Rights of Parents of Students Experiencing Homelessness 

• Educational Rights of Unaccompanied Youth 

• Parent Resources and Information 

• McKinney-Vento Frequently Asked Questions

New Hampshire Community Resources

• Waypoint (Manchester and Rochester; statewide navigation services)

• Families in Transition  (Manchester)

• Bureau of Homeless Services DHHS  (Statewide)
  📞 (603) 271-9196

• SchoolHouse Connection

Supporting attendance and success for students experiencing homelessness