The first day of school is right around the corner! On Monday, August 24, Chicago Public Schools students in grades K–12 will return to classrooms across Chicago. Pre-K students will begin school on Tuesday, August 25.
Free CTA Rides on the First Day of School
Getting to school should never be a barrier to education.
On the first day of school, CPS students and accompanying adults can ride CTA buses and trains for free. This can be especially important for families who are navigating a new housing situation, staying temporarily with friends or relatives, living in a shelter, or otherwise experiencing homelessness.
Know Your Rights if You Are Experiencing Homelessness
If your family does not have a fixed, regular, and adequate place to live, your student has rights and protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Students experiencing homelessness include students who are:
- Living in an emergency or transitional shelter
- Living temporarily in a hotel or motel
- Living in a car, park, public space, or other place not meant for regular housing
- Sharing housing with other people because of a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
- Or experiencing other unstable or temporary housing situations
Students experiencing homelessness have important educational rights, including the right to:
- Remain in their school of origin, when it is in their best interest
- Receive transportation to and from their school of origin
- Enroll in a new school without delay
- Immediate enrollment, even if they do not have documents that are normally required for enrollment
- Receive help obtaining school records, immunizations, and other required documents
- Receive additional support to help them succeed in school
Start the School Year Knowing Your Rights
Every student deserves the opportunity to attend school, feel safe and supported, and receive the education they are entitled to—regardless of where they sleep at night.
As the 2026–27 school year begins, remember: housing instability should never stand in the way of a student’s education.
If you or a family you work with needs help understanding a student’s educational rights, reach out to our Law Project for free legal assistance by calling 1 (800) 940-1119 or emailing Senior Education Attorney Alyssa Phillips at aphillips@chicagohomeless.org.
