Every Child Has a Right to an Education

The federal Mckinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act and Texas state law protect the rights of homeless children and youth to receive a free and appropriate public education. Nearly everyone in Texas who is between the ages of 5 and 21 on September 1 of the school year and has not been expelled has the right to attend school, even if they live:

o  In a shelter (family shelter, domestic violence shelter, youth shelter or transitional living program)

o  In a motel, hotel, or weekly-rate housing
    
o  In a house or apartment with more than one family because of economic hardship or loss
    
o  In an abandoned building, a car, at a campground, or on the street
    
o  In temporary foster care or with an adult who is not your parent or legal guardian

o  In substandard housing (no electricity, no water, and/or no heat)
    
o  With friends or family because you are a runaway or unaccompanied youth