Students in temporary housing fall behind in NYC schools, new report finds
The report, released by Advocates for Children of New York using data from New York City Public Schools, highlights ongoing challenges for students living in temporary housing, especially those in shelters.
More Stories
New data shows students experiencing homelessness in New York City are continuing to fall behind their permanently housed peers both academically and in the classroom.
The report, released by Advocates for Children of New York using data from New York City Public Schools, highlights ongoing challenges for students living in temporary housing, especially those in shelters.
According to the findings, nearly half of all students in temporary housing were chronically absent last school year — meaning they missed at least one out of every 10 school days. That number rises to 63% for students living in shelters, adding up to at least 1.1 million days of lost instructional time.
The instability extends beyond attendance. The report found that one in five students in shelters transferred schools at least once during the 2024–2025 school year — more than four times the rate of permanently housed students. Advocates say those midyear moves can disrupt learning, relationships and routines.
Only 33% of students experiencing homelessness scored proficient on the 2025 grades 3–8 English Language Arts exam, compared to 60% of their permanently housed peers.
Advocates are now calling on state leaders to update the Foundation Aid formula to include additional funding for students who are homeless or in foster care. They say current funding does not account for the added challenges these students face.
“It is long past time for the state to update its education funding formula to recognize the significant needs of students who are homeless,” said Maria Odom, executive director of Advocates for Children of New York.
Advocates say without immediate action, thousands of students will continue to face barriers that make it harder to succeed in school.
"Every child deserves access to a rigorous, high-quality education. Far too often, our students in temporary housing are left behind without the resources and supports they need to succeed – under this administration, we will work to tackle those longstanding issues head-on," said Kamar Samuels, chancellor of New York City Public Schools.
"Towards that end, New York City Public Schools is prioritizing trauma-informed, cross-agency, and data-driven strategies to address chronic absenteeism and boost educational outcomes for students in temporary housing. This work will include a robust network of interagency partnerships to support our most vulnerable students," he added.
