Immigrant and Refugee Resources
In the Bremerton School District, we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for every student.
Under federal and Washington state law—including the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling Plyler v. Doe (1982) and the Washington State Constitution—all children residing within our community have a legal, constitutional right to a free K-12 public education, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.
Our school district does not collect information regarding student or family immigration status, nor do we require social security numbers or proof of citizenship for enrollment. Every child in our district is entitled to equal access to educational programs, language support services, and safe learning spaces.
Key Legal Guarantees:
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Equal Access: Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and state law, schools cannot deny enrollment, charge tuition, or treat students differently based on national origin, citizenship, or immigration status.
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Privacy & Protection: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects student records, preventing the disclosure of personal information without family consent.
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State Safeguards: Under Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 43.10.310), public schools limit immigration enforcement activities on campus to ensure schools remain safe spaces for all children.
We invite all immigrant and refugee families to explore the resources below, designed to support your child's academic success and ease your family's transition into our community.