New York State Technical and Education Assistance Center for Homeless Students

Students who transfer schools often do worse in school than those who don't transfer. The McKinney-Vento Act can help solve this problem by allowing students to stay in the same school and get free transportation.

FAQs: Charter Schools

A charter school is a public school that operates with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools, granting administrators, faculty and staff autonomy in the education of its students. The "charter" that establishes each school is a contract detailing the school's mission, program, goals, students served, and methods of assessment. If charter schools do not meet the academic performance and operational goals listed in their charter, they risk having their charter revoked.

Are charter schools considered school districts?

No, charter schools are not school districts. A charter school is a public school by statute, but it is considered to be a Local Educational Agency (LEAs) for the purposes of the McKinney-Vento Act.

Do students attend charter schools on a tuition-free basis?

Yes.

Must a charter school designate a LEA liaison?

Yes. Because charter schools are considered, LEAs under the McKinney-Vento Act; therefore, state charter schools must comply with the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act, including designating a LEA liaison.

Is a student who is homeless entitled to immediate enrollment in a charter school?

Yes, provided that the student meets the eligiblity criteria for the charter school and there is space in the school.

Who provides transportation to homeless students who attend a charter school?

If the charter school is the school of origin, the district of attendance, as indicated on the designation form, must transport the student. If the charter school is not the school of origin, the designated district of attendance must transport the student to same event that it transports permanentely housed students.

Are charter schools required to set aside a portion of their Title I, Part A funding to serve students who are homeless?

No. Charter schools are not mandated to set aside Title I funds for students who are homeless; however, the school may opt to set aside funds to serve children and youth who are homeless. For more information about Title I, Part A set-asides click here.

Are charter schools eligible to receive McKinney-Vento sub-grant funding?

Charter schools are considered LEAs and are therefore eligible to receive McKinney-Vento sub-grant funding.

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