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If your family is between homes — staying with someone else, in a motel, in a shelter — or you’re on your own right now, you still have every right to your school. There’s a law for it (McKinney-Vento), and there are people here for you. This page is what that actually means, in plain words. And it’s private.
Staying somewhere new — a friend's place, a motel, a shelter, across town? You can keep going to the same school, with the same teachers and friends. We set that up.
If you do need a new school, they sign you up that day — no proof of where you live, no records, no shot papers, no guardian's signature needed. We sort the papers out after.
If your school is far from where you're staying now, we arrange a ride and pay for it. Just tell us where you are and we figure it out.
Breakfast and lunch are free. Sports and activity fees are waived. Need a backpack, supplies, a coat, or shoes? Ask — it's handled.
Where you're staying is nobody's business but yours. Only the staff who need to know do. Other students and other parents are never told.
Sports, clubs, field trips, dances, college-prep — none of it is off-limits because of where you're sleeping. You're a full part of this school.
If you’re not living with a parent or guardian right now — for whatever reason — you can enroll yourself. You don’t need an adult’s signature to go to school here. And when it’s time for college, you can apply for financial aid as an independent student — without your parents’ income or information. Your person at school (below) walks you through all of it. You are not doing this alone.
You don’t have to figure any of this out alone, and you don’t have to say it out loud in front of anyone. Find your school and email or call your person directly. It’s private.
Not sure who to talk to? Email Shawn Brown for the whole district — sbrown@monteschools.org or call (360) 249-1233. Any counselor at your school counts too.
Message your person and just say what you need. You don’t have to explain your situation. Things people ask for all the time:
None of it costs you anything, and none of it needs a form. For food, housing, and other help around town, you can also dial 2-1-1 any time.
Because of your situation, you count as an independent student for financial aid — which means you can apply for college money without your parents’ income or signature. Your counselor and Shawn Brown help you do it.
If things feel like too much, you don’t have to carry it by yourself. Talk to your counselor or your person — or reach out any time, day or night:
Where you sleep doesn’t decide who you get to be.
Looking for the version for your family? See the full Homeless Education page →