SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

A school cannot deny enrollment to any student because he/she is living in a shelter, lacks a permanent address, or is homeless.  A school must immediately enroll the student.

A homeless child or youth and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) shall have the right to enroll in:

• the school the homeless child attended when he/she was permanently housed
• the school in which the homeless child was last enrolled
• any school that students living in the attendance area that the homeless student resides in are eligible to attend

A student can remain in his/her selected school for as long as he/she remains homeless or, if the student becomes permanently housed, until the end of the academic year.  It is important to the child's academic success that he/she remain in a stable educational environment.

Every Chicago Public School has a Homeless Education Program Liaison who will assist you in making enrollment and placement decisions, providing notice of any appeal process, and filling out dispute forms.

Student Enrollment Forms: English | Spanish | Polish

If you have questions or want more information, call the CPS Homeless Education Program at 773.553.2242 (fax: 773.553.2182), Chicago Public Schools at 773.553.1000, Illinois State Board of Education at 1.800.215.6379, or email the Homeless Education Program