McKinney-Vento Student Support
A change in housing should not interrupt a child’s education. If your family’s housing is temporary or unstable, you may qualify for school support.
Connect with Unity →McKinney-Vento is a federal law protecting educational access for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Children and youth may qualify when they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Eligibility is based on the student’s actual living situation, reviewed individually.
Young people without a parent or guardian may qualify if they also meet the housing definition. Preschool-aged and migratory children are included when their circumstances meet the definition. [1]
Enroll and attend right away, even without proof of residence, birth certificate, school records, immunization or other health records, or after missing enrollment deadlines.
The school and liaison help obtain records and needed immunizations or screenings. [2]
Attend the local school for the area where the student is living or remain in the school of origin, based on the student’s best interest.
The district presumes school of origin is best unless contrary to the parent’s or unaccompanied youth’s request, and considers student-centered factors. [2]
Request transportation to and from the school of origin. The liaison helps arrange access, including coordination between districts when needed.
Eligible students have equal access to programs and activities, with barriers to participation addressed. [2]
Students identified as homeless are eligible for free school meals.
Ask the liaison about meal access, school supplies, academic support, special education or language services when eligible, and referrals to community resources. [2] [3]
What is the school of origin? Generally, the school attended when permanently housed or the school most recently attended, including preschool. The definition also includes a designated receiving school at the next grade level when the student completes the last grade offered.
School-of-origin rights continue during homelessness and, if permanent housing is obtained during the academic year, through the remainder of that year. [2]
Susan Schroeter, Principal
Ask the office to connect you with the current McKinney-Vento liaison.
The principal and school office are listed as the local starting point. Contact the office to confirm the current designated McKinney-Vento liaison. [4]
NH Department of Education
Education for Homeless Children and Youth
For state program questions and help with enrollment disputes or unresolved barriers.
Need housing, food, or utility resources? Call 2-1-1 or visit 211 New Hampshire to connect with community services. School enrollment help is available even while housing assistance is being arranged. [6]
If eligibility, school selection, or enrollment is disputed, ask for a written explanation in understandable language, including how to appeal.
The district must refer the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth to its liaison for help with the dispute process.
The student must be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought while the dispute is resolved, including available appeals. Ask the liaison about transportation during this time. Unaccompanied youth receive liaison assistance. [2]
NH enrollment dispute guidance PDF ↗
Contact the NH state coordinator above for current state procedures and applicable deadlines.
No. The definition includes several living situations, including sharing housing due to housing loss or economic hardship. The liaison reviews each situation individually.
No. Eligible students must be enrolled immediately even when required records are missing. The school and liaison help obtain the records. [2]
School-of-origin protections may apply, even across district lines. The district reviews the student’s best interest and the parent’s or unaccompanied youth’s request. Ask the liaison about school selection and transportation. [2]
Information about a student’s living situation is treated as an education record and is not directory information. Ask the school how to provide information privately and how records are protected. [2]
Prepared October 26, 2026. Contact the school for the current liaison assignment and individual assistance.
