Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, children and youth who do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate place to live have specific educational rights. Bridlewood Academy is committed to identifying these students and removing barriers to their enrollment, attendance, and success.

Who Is Covered

These rights apply to children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including those who are:

• Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (“doubled-up”).
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to a lack of alternative accommodations.
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters.
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or similar settings.
• Unaccompanied youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian who meet these conditions.

Your Rights

• Immediate enrollment in school, even if you cannot produce usually required documents such as proof of residency, immunization records, or birth certificates.
• The right to remain in the school of origin, if it is in the student’s best interest, for the duration of homelessness.
• Transportation to and from the school of origin, where applicable.
• Access to the same programs and services available to all students, including nutrition programs.
• The right to enroll in school and participate fully without being separated or stigmatized because of homelessness.
• The right to dispute resolution if enrollment is delayed or denied.

Local Liaison

Bridlewood Academy has designated a McKinney-Vento liaison to help families and unaccompanied youth understand and access these rights: Special Education Director Shawna Goerlich.

If you believe your family or student may qualify, or if you have questions, please contact the liaison below.

Questions may be directed to:
Principal Michael Manning  · 1543 Malvern Hill Drive, Camden, SC 29020  ·  803.572.4150  ·  mmanning@bridlewoodacademy.net