Information for Families

What families experiencing homelessness need to know:

• Children and youth who are homeless have a right to attend school;
• You do not need to have a permanent address to enroll in school;
• You have the right to attend the school you last attended before becoming homeless (school of origin) if evaluated to be in your best interest;
• Your child has the right to transportation service to and from their school of origin;
• Homeless children and youth have the right to immediate enrollment;
• Enrollment records, including past school records and health records are not a reason for denial to immediate school enrollment.  Help securing these documents can be offered by your school personnel and the Homeless Liaison;
• If enrollment disputes arise, schools must provide you with written explanation and your right to appeal;
• Unaccompanied homeless youth have these same rights.

Homeless Student Rights (English) – Click Here
Homeless Student Rights (Spanish) – Click Here

Barbara Fisher, Homeless and Foster Care Liaison
Arlington Public Schools
Office of Student Services
Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd, Arlington VA 22204
Office: 703-228-2585