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Immigrant & Refugee Family Resources

colorful student artwork featuring a red lighthouse shining yellow, orange and red geometric rays of light out over the blue green ocean

Every child in Guilford County has the Constitutional right to attend school regardless of immigration status.

In Guilford County Schools, our top priority is the safety of every student. This means that all families can be sure that GCS is committed to protecting the privacy and rights of all students.

There are several ways GCS takes action to protect our young people:

  1. GCS does not request or record information about a student’s immigration status.
  2. The Board of Education prohibits the release of most student information and records except to the parent and school staff who serve the student. Families can opt out of ALL releases of basic information (like the student's name and grade level) by filling out this form. 
  3. Federal and state laws protect student information from disclosure to others, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For more information about the privacy of student records, see the Student Family Handbook.
  4. GCS does not permit non-students, including ICE agents, access to GCS facilities unless they can produce a warrant signed by a federal judge. School leaders have received training on the procedures that law enforcement agencies must follow to legally access school campuses. 
  5. School administrators will not permit the disclosure of confidential student information without first consulting the GCS attorney to make sure that any request has been properly subject to a federal judge’s warrant.

Supporting Students in Challenging Times

In times of uncertainty, children and teens can have big feelings like anxiety, worry and fear. By working together—families, schools, and communities—we can help students feel cared for and supported. Expand the drop down for resources to help young people through stressful situations.

help Your child cope with stress

Supporting Student Absences

If your child needs to miss school, please keep in touch with their teacher and school. Sharing the reason, whether it's an illness, a family situation or other concerns, helps us to understand how to support your child and family. Teachers are ready to partner with families to help keep learning on track. Working together ensures students stay connected and don't fall behind.

Attendance Resources

Know Your Rights

Resources from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU):

Additional resources from the Immigrant Defense Project (IDP):

Know your Rights with ICE

Family Resources

Families should consult community resources to learn their rights. Expand the dropdowns below for additional information.