***As of October 2025, this law is still in effect. SchoolHouse Connection is posting updates.

Understanding McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Rights

Homeless students have strong rights regarding their education. This section will attempt to present those rights in a way that will be helpful to homeless families and teens, educators, shelter staff, and persons concerned about access to education for the millions of kids without homes in this country.

• The law that specifies homeless students' rights - The McKinney Vento Homeless Education Act, 2-pg summary with legal references. Thanks, SchoolHouseConnection!
• Helpline for help getting a homeless student into school
• Resources and information about the law (thanks, SchoolHouse Connection)
• Watch the HEAR US (free) 11-minute film explaining homeless education law, REACH.

HEAR US thanks this partner organization for providing comprehensive educational resources on the issue of families and youth experiencing homelessness:

SchoolHouse Connection, a resource for all things related to education, birth through higher ed, offers a plethora of information.