Excel Academy’s mission is to prepare students to succeed in high school and the post secondary venture of their choice, apply their learning to solve prevalent challenges, and engage productively in their communities. Excel Academy Charter School is proud to serve the communities and families of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We welcome all students and families regardless of immigration status, race, gender, or ethnicity. Our doors are open and we will continue to serve all members of our community.
At Excel Academy, our Family Benefits Access program offers free and confidential assistance to our families in a variety of areas, including information related to immigration services and access to benefits like health insurance and nutrition. Call 617-466-9384 or email epuerta@excelacademy.org to speak with the Excel Academy Benefits Access Team.
*** If your family is experiencing homelessness or lacks adequate housing please contact your school’s Homeless School Liaison. In Massachusetts please contact Estevan Puerta via epuerta@excelacademy.org. In Rhode Island please contact Daimar Colon dcolon@excelacademy.org.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law created to support the enrollment and education of homeless students. McKinney-Vento is intended to provide homeless students the same educational opportunities as housed students by removing as many barriers to learning for homeless students as possible.
Who is covered by McKinney-Vento?
- Homeless children and youths” are individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes children and youths, ages 3-22, who share the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals. Children living in motels, hotels, trailers, or camp grounds are considered homeless if they are living there because they have nowhere else to stay.
- The term also includes children who have a primary nighttime residence that is not meant for regular sleeping accommodations, as well as children who live in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings. Migratory children and youths will also qualify if they live in any of the circumstances described above.
- “Unaccompanied youth” who have run away or been “thrown out,” and as a result are living in shelters, on the street, or moving between friends or relatives, are also considered homeless.
What are some of the rights afforded to students through McKinney-Vento?
- Transportation to and from school and extracurriculars free of charge. This includes ensuring specific busing for homeless students so they can stay at the school they were attending before they became homeless.
- Children experiencing homelessness have the right to attend their school of origin (the school they attended when they first became homeless) even if they are not residing in the area anymore.
- Schools must enroll children immediately even if they lack normally required documents, such as immunization records or proof of residence.
Federal Resources for All Families:
