AJO School Homeless Policy

In accordance with the McKinney Vento Act, Ajo Unified School District is committed to providing all students with equal educational opportunities. Read more about our homeless policy here. You can also view and download flyers in both English and Spanish on this page.

The McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act defines “homeless youth” as youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence. The Act guarantees students who qualify the same educational services that all students receive in order to meet challenging academic standards. This may include students who are:

• Temporarily staying with a friend, relative, or someone else due to loss of housing (including foreclosure, loss of income, or financial hardship)
  “Unaccompanied youths” or students who are on their own and not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian
• Living in hotels, motels, campground, parks, cars, abandoned buildings, bus/train, or similar environments
• In CPS custody, awaiting foster placement (ie. group home placement)

Eligible students have the right to:

• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required
• Enroll in and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents
• Continue attending school
• Receive transportation to and from the school, if requested
• Be eligible for or continue receiving FREE meals

Please contact us if you believe you or your child are eligible.