The federal McKinney-Vento Act guarantees school enrollment for anyone who, due to a lack of housing, does not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act, and the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act, defines homelessness as living in the following places due to a lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

• In an emergency or transitional shelter

• In a motel, hotel, or campground

• In a car, park, public place, bus or train station, or abandoned building

• Doubled up with relatives or friends

• In the above conditions and is a migratory child or youth

The definition of homelessness applies to children and youth with:

• Uncertain housing

• A temporary address

• No permanent physical address

Children and youth living in these settings meet criteria for the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness and have special educational rights.  They can attend the school they attended before becoming homeless, or the school in the attendance area where they are currently living.

If you have any questions, please contact Surry County Public Schools homeless education liaison.

Email LaTasha Wooden or Call: 757-267-2211 ext. 374 

If a student/family is found to be in a homeless situation, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act allows enrollment without a permanent address. If you feel your situation would qualify under this provision, please complete the Questionnaire Family/Student Domicile form.

For additional information, see School Board Policy JECA - Admission of Homeless Children and visit Project Virginia site