McKinney-Vento Homelessness Program

Seattle Public Schools homeless program ensures students have access to education and can fully participate in school. We encourage student’s education by removing barriers that would limit their ability to fully engage and participate in school activities and events. We strive to partner with families to stay involved in their student’s education by providing resources and community referrals to assist with educational support services and basic needs.

Students who are experiencing homelessness have the right to remain in their school of origin or enroll in the local attendance area school nearest to their nighttime residence. Upon request, transportation is provided to students and youth if qualified according to district transportation standard.

Know Your Rights

McKinney-Vento eligible students have the right to:

• receive a free, appropriate public education;
• enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment, or having missed application or enrollment deadlines during any period of homelessness;
• enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents;
• continue attending the school of origin, or enroll in the local attendance area school if attending the school of origin is not in the best interest of the student or is contrary to the request of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth;
• receive transportation to and from the school of origin per SPS Transportation policy, if requested by the parent or guardian, or by the local liaison on behalf of an unaccompanied youth; and
• receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to each student’s need.
• If the school district assigns your child to a school other than the school of your choice, you have the right to a written explanation and the right to appeal that decision.