While the 2002 law aimed to prevent segregation and strengthen support for these children in their home schools, some educators and advocates say that the centralized, separate schools make it easier for children and their families to access services, resources, and community donations. Because of strong local support, the Pappas schools are able to provide over 1,100 homeless students with food, clothing, and transportation.

"I would love to see these kids in mainstream schools getting all the support and help they need," said Dr. Sandra E. Dowling, founder of Pappas Regional Elementary School. "But as a practical matter, that's not what happens."

The elementary school provides children with access to social workers, mentors, tutors, showers, a clinic, and daily breakfast and lunch, as well as a toy room for birthday gifts and a clothing room from which each student can take home three outfits each month.

Each week, 25 new students arrive at Pappas Elementary, most of them two to three years behind their grade level, making it difficult to maintain ordinary performance levels. However, the school met state and federal standards last year, after being declared "underperforming."

"Study after study shows that lack of housing affects kids' ability to do well in school," said Steve Banks, attorney in chief with the New York Legal Aid Society. "Ultimately, this is a housing problem, not an educational one."