If you don't have a permanent place to live, you still have the right to go to school.
New York State law protects students who are homeless. This includes kids living in shelters, hotels, cars, or staying with friends or family because they don't have their own home. You can choose to keep going to your old school or go to a new school where you're staying now.
This means:
- If you stay at your old school, you get free transportation to get there.
- You can start school right away even if you don't have all your papers like report cards or shot records.
- You also get free school meals and the same services as other students.
- If you have special needs, you still get the help you need.
Each area has special helpers called Liaisons who can answer questions and solve problems. If there's a disagreement about which school you should attend, you can appeal (ask someone to review the decision) and get help from a Liaison.
Last Reviewed: July 30, 2025