Frequently Asked Questions

The proof of residency policy does not apply to homeless students and families. Contact the BPS Homeless Education Resource Network (617-635-8037) or visit a Welcome Center for assistance with registering your child. If you are staying in a shelter, bring a letter from the shelter staff stating that you are living there. For more information, please visit the BPS Residency Policy website.

Any child whose family lives in the City of Boston is guaranteed access to a free public education in the Boston Public Schools. No family will be denied access to school because of their immigration status. Undocumented immigrant families living with friends or relatives may be considered “homeless." For more information, please read this document from BPS: Suggestions and resources for supported students who may be undocumented or visit the BPS Residency Policy website.

The Re-Engagement Center (REC) is the only Boston Public Schools program that specifically supports people who have not completed their high school degree. A partnership between BPS and the PIC, the REC provides one central location in a caring environment for students to access the resources and counseling that they need to re-enroll in school and get back on track to graduation.

GED/ HISET    

If you would like to take the GED/HISET to get your high school equivalency, resources can be found it the links below:

• http://www.doe.mass.edu/hse/disabilitiesinfo.html

• http://www.doe.mass.edu/hse/comparison.html

• https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/4484

• http://www.rcc.mass.edu/future-students/assessment/high-school-equivalency-testing-formerly-ged

• http://www.doe.mass.edu/hse/testcenters.aspx?section=HiSET

Phoenix Charter Academy also operates three high schools across Massachusetts, geared towards students who would like to finish high school. The closest school to Boston is in Chelsea.

If your child has an IEP, and you are entering school for the first time, you have several options. If you wish to enroll your child in Boston Public Schools (BPS), a team will be assigned to you to help place your student in a school, according to their IEP needs. 

If you’d like to explore charter schools, you should talk to individual schools to discuss how they will be able to service the IEP. 

For additional information and guidance, visit our special education resource guide. 

All public schools are required to provide education to students regardless of the language they speak. If you do not speak English, your child will need an assessment. If needed, they will be placed in a program that supports their language and educational needs. Refer to our ELL (English Language Learners) resources to learn more.