The New York State Education Department (NYSED) sent a memorandum to all school superintendents last week to remind them that all individuals, regardless of citizenship, between the ages of 5 and 21, have the right to free public education in the district they reside in.
The NYSED clarified that no public school shall refuse free admission to any student, including English Language Learners (ELL), on account of race, creed, color or national origin.
ELL students are entitled to all educational services including special education, guidance services, career counseling, athletics and extracurricular activities.
See the complete NYSED memo in our resource guide HERE. Look for the title “Guidance Relating to the Right of Individuals Over Compulsory School Age to Attend High School.”
You can also download it HERE.
