Making the Trip: Transportation & School Choice

“If I choose to send my child to a different school, how will they get there?”

If you’ve asked yourself this question, you’re not alone! No matter what type of school you choose – traditional public, public magnet, public charter, private, or microschool – how your child gets to school can make or break that choice.

The answer? It’s complicated.

Each state sets its own education policies at the state, district, and local level – including policies on transportation. This means that not only do transportation services look different from state to state, they can be different from your assigned school district to the one next door. Addressing transportation challenges requires innovative solutions, cooperation between districts, schools, and families, and a willingness to compromise.

The State of Public School Transportation

Traditionally, public school students have arrived at school via the big yellow school buses we are all familiar with. But that approach is becoming less and less the norm; the percentage of students riding the traditional yellow school bus to school was at just 50% across the country for the 2023 – 2024 school year.

According to a recent survey from HopSkipDrive, a company that provides transportation solutions to school districts and parents, 91% of school leaders reported a bus driver shortage impacting their district. That translates to shorter or fewer bus routes or even school leaders taking time away from education hours to drive the buses themselves.

In the same survey, 30% of parents state that coordinating school transportation is the most stressful part of back-to-school season with 79% of families surveyed managing transportation on their own.

Our survey from June 2025 supports these findings. We asked parents who searched for schools, but did not make a change, why they came to that decision. 27% of parents cited transportation difficulties as the reason they remained in their current school.

It’s no stretch to say that transportation is one of the largest barriers to choosing a school other than your zoned public school, but what are the solutions?

Private School Transportation

When you think of students attending private schools, you most likely envision them being dropped off by their parents. While that may be true for many students, there are more and more innovative ways of accessing transportation for private school students.

One way of easing the burden of transportation for private school students is allowing them to utilize already existing bus routes. In some states it is required to transport private school students in certain circumstances such as when the student attends a private school located within their assigned school district boundaries, while other states leave it up to each school district to decide if they offer private school students transportation.

Another solution that has been increasing in popularity and availability is the use of state-wide funding programs to cover transportation costs. Just this year alone Texas and Tennessee joined a growing list of states, such as Arizona and Louisiana, with education savings accounts (ESAs) that can cover the cost of private school transportation. While a majority of states fund transportation through ESAs, others use scholarships, vouchers, and reimbursement programs.

Transportation for Students with Special Needs

Regardless of the type of school—whether charter, magnet, or traditional public—students with special needs are entitled legally to receive transportation services that align with their Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

Transportation is listed as a related service in an IEP. Students can qualify for this related service if the student’s disability directly creates a unique need for specialized transportation or if they would not be able to access the special education program without specialized transportation. Each year, the team conducting an annual review of the student’s IEP must look at all contributing factors and determine if transportation is required to access a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

In all 50 states, this requirement ensures that transportation is accessible and customized based on each student’s needs, giving these families peace of mind that their children will be transported to school and back safely.

Innovative Transportation Solutions

In response to the shortage of bus drivers and rising costs of transportation, creative solutions are popping up across the country. States are taking a look at contracts, programs, and funding for smaller buses and alternative means of transportation. This means that solutions such as using smaller vehicles, public transit, rideshare programs, and active forms of transportation (walking and biking) are coming to the forefront of discussions.

With only half of students arriving to school on a bus, states are also looking at how to assist families with the cost of transportation. Over 10 states offer some funding to cover the cost of transportation to schools of choice through grants, education savings accounts, and other state-wide programs. Where the innovation comes into play is on what these funds are allowed to be used for. Some states allow the funds to cover the cost of public transportation tickets or even fee-for-service transportation companies such as HopSkipDrive.

What States Provide

State requirements for transportation vary widely; some have strict, statewide mandates, while others base transportation eligibility on student grade levels or distance from the school.

27 states require transportation to be provided to at least some students participating in open enrollment at traditional public schools and magnet schools – see if your state is one of them below!
17 states require at least some charter school students who attend public charter schools receive transportation services
11 states require transportation be provided to all students who attend private schools
All 50 states must provide transportation for students with disabilities based on their Individualized Education Program (IEPs).

Next Steps in Your School Choice Journey

First, take a look at our state-specific information below to see what is, may be, or is not available for transporting your child to school. Using what you’ve learned about transportation in your state, and our Tips for Choosing the Right School for Your Child, identify which types of schools are accessible to your family.

Next, check out our Ultimate Guides for a deep-dive into each type of school you identified above as an option for your family. Your State Roadmap to School Choice houses information about each type of school in your state – all in one place!

Finally, now that you’ve narrowed down the types of schools you are looking for, our Schools Near Me tool will show you all the schools in your area that meet the criteria you identified above.

Transportation Options in Your State

Each state has unique laws and resources for transporting students to school. Below is a detailed look at key education policies and resources in each state.

Select a state:

Alabama

In Alabama, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 46% of public school students in Alabama rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to a public school within your zoned school district
Transfer from a “failing school” to a school outside your zoned school district
Attend a public magnet school located within your zoned school district
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public charter school located within your zoned school district
Attend a private school located within a district that offers transportation

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our partners at Love Your School Alabama and Black Alabamians for Education.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Alabama State Department of Transportation website, which houses the transportation supervisor’s contact information for each county.

Alaska

In Alaska, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 56% of public school students in Alaska rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend private schools and travel comparable distances along the same routes as public school students
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend public charter schools and reside within the district where the school is located

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a traditional public school outside of their assigned school district

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at School Choice Alaska.
The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development website has contact information at the state and district level.

Arizona

In Arizona, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend a public school outside of their assigned district
Attend a public school other than their zoned school and are a low-income family or students with special needs.
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a charter school within their assigned district that provides transportation services

Funding may be available through transportation grants to help with transportation costs for students attending a charter school through open enrollment and either need financial assistance or do not have a local bus service in their area. Private school students can utilize the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program to help cover transportation costs.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our partners at Choose a School AZ, NavigatEd Arizona, or Love Your School Arizona.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Arizona Department of Education has FAQs about transportation of students with disabilities and a contact form where you can ask specific questions on its website.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 78% of public school students in Arkansas rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to a public school outside of their assigned school district when their assigned school district is in facility distress
Transfer between public school districts that have a special agreement to cover transportation
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school and reside within the school district boundaries
Attend a public charter school that provides transportation

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to a public school outside of their neighborhood
Attend a public magnet school in a school district outside of their assigned school district
Attend a private school

Funding may be available to help cover transportation costs through the LEARNS Act for private school and microschool students.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at The Reform Alliance.
The Arkansas Division of Public Schools Academic Facilities & Transportation website.

California

In California, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 19% of public school students in California rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to a traditional public school other than their assigned school and request transportation assistance
Attend a public magnet school (may have distance limits and/or specific bus routes)
Attend a charter school that provides transportation services

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our Partners at the California Policy Center.

Colorado

In Colorado, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 32% of public school students in Colorado rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to a public school within the boundaries of their assigned school district
Transfer to a public school in a district outside of their assigned district and qualify for a “Transportation Token”
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a magnet school that offers transportation services
Attend a public charter school that offers transportation services (fees may apply) or partners with districts to use their buses and equipment

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Parents Challenge and Transform Education Now.
THe Colorado Department of Education School Transportation website.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school

Attend a public charter school located within their assigned school district
Attend a private school where the majority of students are Connecticut residents
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to a district outside of their assigned district and the receiving district offers transportation
Attend a public magnet school that provides transportation or reimbursement for travel costs
Attend a public charter school located outside of their assigned school district

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Connecticut Department of Education’s website has FAQs answering transportation questions about open choice programs and magnet schools.

Delaware

In Delaware, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 90% of public school students in Delaware rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend a public charter school located within their assigned school district and live more than one mile (K-6) or two miles (7-12) from the school
Attend a private school located within the same district where the student resides
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public charter school located outside of their assigned school district and meet at a designated point along the school’s regular bus routes

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to a public school other than their assigned school
Attend a public magnet school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Delaware’s Department of Education website has a page for School Transportation Resources.

Washington D.C.

In Washington, D.C., availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend a public charter school located within their district through the Kids Ride Free (KRF) program (families request a SmarTrip Card which provides free access to the Metrobus, Metrorail, and DC Circulator)
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s website has information on Student Transportation, including contact information.

Florida

In Florida, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 30% of public school students in Florida rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend a public magnet school
Attend a public charter school in grades 6 and below
Attend a public charter to ensure they have access to educational opportunities that otherwise would not be available
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend private school if a local agreement is in place between schools and districts

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to a public school other than their assigned school

Funding to help cover transportation costs for students who transfer to another public school may be available for eligible families through a transportation stipend program.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at GuidEd Florida.
The Florida Department of Education has a webpage on School Transportation.

Georgia

In Georgia, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 52% of public school students in Georgia rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend a public charter school and are homeless or have special needs
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a magnet school located within the student’s assigned school district
Attend a public charter school that provides transportation services

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to a public school outside of their assigned school district
Attend a private school

Funding for transportation to private schools may be available through the Georgia Promise Scholarship program.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at GeorgiaCAN and the Georgia Public Policy Foundation.
Georgia Department of Education’s Pupil Transportation division provides guidance and support regarding safely transporting children. Their contact information is avialable on the website!

Hawaii

In Hawaii, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 17% of public school students in Hawaii rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a public charter school
Attend a private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at HawaiiKidsCAN.
The Hawaii State Department of Education houses information about transportation eligibility and applications on its website.

Idaho

In Idaho, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district.During the 2023-24 school year, 28% of public school students in Idaho rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to a public school outside of their assigned school district and meet at a designated bus stop within the receiving district
Attend a magnet school located within their assigned school district boundaries
Attend charter schools located within their assigned school district boundaries

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend private school unless they pay to utilize the public school transportation services

Funding may be available to cover transportation costs of attending a private school through Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit Program.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Idaho Department of Education’s Student Transportation website.

Illinois

In Illinois, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 52% of public school students in Illinois rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require
Attend private school and travel on existing bus routes

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school that offers transportation services
Attend a public charter school located within their assigned school district, live at least 1.5 miles from the school, and reside along the route of a public school bus

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Illinois State Board of Education’s website has information on Transportation Programs on its website.

Indiana

In Indiana, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 65% of public school students in Indianarode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend a private school and travel along existing bus lines
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to another public school within their assigned school district
Transfer to another public school outside of their assigned school district
Attend a magnet school located within their assigned school district boundaries
Attend a public charter school and live within the district where the charter school is located

Funding to cover transportation costs may be available through Indiana’s Education Scholarship Account Program.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Indiana Department of Education’s Transportation page on their website contains information about laws and regulations, general information, and contact information.

Iowa

In Iowa, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 47% of public school students in Iowa rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to another public school and their parents transport them to a designated bus stop in the receiving district
Attend a public charter school and live within the district where the charter school is located
Attend a private school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located in their assigned school district boundaries

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at the Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education and HACER Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Education’s Pupil Transportation website.

Kansas

In Kansas, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 41% of public school students in Kansas rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to another school using open enrollment – the two school districts must work out a transportation plan to share costs
Attend a magnet school located within their zoned school district boundaries
Attend a charter school, live more than 2.5 miles from the school, and qualify for free meals under the National School Lunch Act
Attend private school and live along existing public school bus routes
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a charter school located within their zoned public school district boundaries

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a magnet school outside of their zoned public school district

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Kansas State Department of Education’s page on School Transportation Safety has contact information where questions can be directed.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 48% of public school students in Kentucky rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their zoned public school
Transfer between two public schools that have a tuition agreement in place to share total costs – including transportation.
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a magnet school located within the school district boundaries

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Kentucky Department of Education’s Pupil Transportation page contains information about School Buses, Laws & Regulations, Forms, and contact information.

Louisiana

In Louisiana, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their zoned public school
Transfer to another public school within their zoned school district
Transfer to another public school outside their zoned district school that is closer to the students home than their assigned school
Transfer to another public school from a low-performing school
Attend a public charter school located within their zoned school district and live more than one mile from the school
Attend a public charter school that is closer to the student’s home than their assigned public school
Transfers to a public charter school from a low-performing school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located outside of their zoned public school district

Funding may be available for families to cover the cost of transportation to private or microschools through the LA GATOR program.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Louisiana Department of Education’s School Transportation webpage has further information.

Maine

In Maine, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 80% of public school students in Maine rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their zoned public school
Transfer to a public school in a different school district because their home district does not offer a school for their child’s grade
Attend a public charter school and live within the school’s designated area (catchment area)
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their home public school district
Attend a public charter school and live outside the school’s designated area (catchment area)
Attend a private school that offers transportation to its students

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Maine Department of Education’s website houses a page on transportation, where you can find information about the laws, rules, & policies about transportation as well as find contact information.

Maryland

In Maryland, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 71% of public school students in Maryland rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their zoned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require
Attend a private school and live within Calvert County

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school and live within the school district boundaries
Attend a public charter school that chooses to offer transportation services to its students

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a private school located in any county other than Calvert County

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Maryland State Department of Education’s website on Pupil Transportation and Emergency Management contains information on local school operations, state laws and regulations, and contact information.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 55% of public school students in Massachusetts rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their zoned public school
Transfer to another public school if the transfer addresses racial imbalances or the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch
Attend a public charter school located within the district or regional district where the charter school is located with some restrictions:
- For students in Grades K-6: live within the charter school’s district and live more than two miles away from the school
- For students in Grades K-12: live within the charter school’s regional district and reside more than two miles away
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their zoned public school district

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a private school

Funding may be available for transportation to charter schools through the state’s transportation reimbursement program for students living outside of their chosen school’s district and who meet the strict eligibility requirements.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Children’s Scholarship Fund.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website houses a Pupil Transportation Guide with more information.

Michigan

In Michigan, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 49% of public school students in Michigan rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend the nearest state-approved private school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned public school district
Attend a public magnet school that chooses to offer transportation to students located outside of their public school district
Attend a public charter school

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to a public school other than their zoned public school
Attend a private school other than the nearest state-approved private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Michigan Department of Education’s Pupil Transportation webpage contains information including Schools of Choice Transportation Considerations and information on the laws governing transportation.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 78% of public school students in Minnesota rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their zoned public school
Transfer to a public school outside their zoned school district (the receiving district provides transportation)
Attend a public charter school located within their assigned school district boundaries (parents may need to request transportation)
Attend a private school located within their assigned school district boundaries
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned public school district
Attend a public magnet school that chooses to offer transportation to students transferring from other school districts
Attend a public charter school outside of their zoned school district boundaries that offers transportation (parents may need to transport students to the border of the charter school’s district)
Attend a private school outside of their assigned school district boundaries

Funding may be available for students choosing to attend a public school in another school district through a reimbursement program for the cost of travel to the district’s border.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Minnesota Department of Education’s Transportation webpage contains information about the statutes and rules governing transportation, charter school transportation, and information by student type.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 84% of public school students in Mississippi rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to a public school located in another public school district (the agreement between school districts must include transportation provisions)
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public charter school that provides transportation

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located outside of their assigned school district
Attend a private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Mississippi Department of Education’s website on Pupil Transportation contains information on laws, transportation forms, and a transportation directory with contact information.

Missouri

In Missouri, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 54% of public school students in Missouri rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to another public school from a school that has lost state accreditation
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public magnet school that chooses to offer transportation to students who live outside the public school district
Attend a public charter school located within their assigned school district’s boundaries
Attend a public charter school located outside of their assigned school district boundaries in specific situations

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend private schools

Funding may be available to cover transportation costs to service providers through the MOScholars Program, an education savings account.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri (CEAM) and Navigate STL Schools.
The Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education’s website contains information about transportation when transferring schools.

Montana

In Montana, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 50% of public school students in Montana rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer between school districts (both districts create an agreement allowing the student to participate in open enrollment including transportation provisions)
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public charter school that provides transportation services to its students
Attend a private school and the district has space on its public school buses (the local school district needs to provide a permit and fees may apply)

Funding may be available to help cover transportation costs for families of students with disabilities through Montana’s Students with Special Needs Opportunity Act.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Ed Navigate Montana.

Nebraska

In Nebraska, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 26% of public school students in Nebraska rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to another public school and qualify for free or reduced-price lunch or are part of a diversity focus program
Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a nonprofit private school and live along existing bus routes
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located outside of their assigned district boundaries

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha.
Nebraska Department of Education’s website provides contact information for those involved with pupil transportation.

Nevada

In Nevada, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 30% of public school students in Nevada rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to another public school through open enrollment
Attend a public magnet school located within its school district boundaries
Attend a public charter school that offers transportation services

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to another public school within their assigned public school district
Attend a public charter school and live within the same district as their school (upon parent request)
Attend a private school located within the same town or district
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned district

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to a public school outside of their assigned school district

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Children’s Scholarship Fund New Hampshire.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 50% of public school students in New Jersey rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to a public school other than their assigned school that is more than 2 or 2.5 miles but less than 20 miles from their residence (the sending district provides transportation)
Attend a public charter school located within their assigned school district
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public charter school located outside of their assigned school district
Attend a nonprofit, private school greater than 20 minutes from their residence

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The State of New Jersey’s Department of Education’s website has a Frequently Asked Questions page with more information.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 42% of public school students in New Mexico rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfers to another public school located within their assigned school district
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school that provides transportation
Attend a public charter school that works with the local public school district to provide transportation

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to another public school located outside of their assigned school district
Attend private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The New Mexico Public Education Department’s website list contact information for the School Transportation Bureau.

New York

In New York, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 95% of public school students in New York rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to a public school other than their assigned school in New York City (through a MetroCard or school bus)
Attend a to traditional public school or public magnet school and live more than 2 miles (grades K-8) or 3 miles (grades 9-12) away from their school
- Parents must submit a written request to the Transportation Department by April 1 of the preceding school year or within 30 days of moving to the school district
Attend a public charter school located within their assigned school district
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a private school using centralized pickup points located near public schools

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners: EDceptional and Children’s Scholarship Fund New York.
The New York State Education Department’s website houses a Parent Information page with information on transportation.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 45% of public school students in North Carolina rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned district boundaries
Have special needs and attend the nearest appropriate private school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to a public school other than their assigned school
Attend a public charter school located within their assigned district boundaries

Funding to cover transportation costs to private schools may be available through the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”!
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina and Children’s Scholarship Fund.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 38% of public school students in North Dakota rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to a public school located within their assigned public school district
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to a public school located outside of their assigned school district
Attend private school and reside on public school bus routes if space is available (requires local school board approval)

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].

Ohio

In Ohio, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 43% of public school students in Ohio rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to a public school outside of their assigned school district and come from low-income families or are participating in a court-approved desegregation plan
Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district and live more than one mile from the school
Attend a public charter school located within their assigned school district and live more than two miles away from the school (grades K-8)
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend private schools (the school districts have the option to provide transportation funds directly to parents instead of offering transportation)

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located outside of their assigned school district

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at School Choice Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce’s website contains information about Laws and Administrative Rules for Pupil Transportation, Transportation Services for Chartered Nonpublic and Community School Students, and FAQs

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to another public school and their parents can get their child to a stop along the existing bus routes or the school districts collaborate to make transportation arrangements
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public charter school located within their assigned school district boundaries and live more than 1.5 miles from the school
Attend a public charter school located outside of their assigned school district (families can request and may need to travel to the district border for pickup/drop-off)

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Fuel OKC.
The Oklahoma Education Department’s website has a page dedicated to Transportation that contains contact information and FAQs.

Oregon

In Oregon, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 31% of public school students in Oregon rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend public charter schools located within their assigned school district for elementary students (provided by the charter school or district)
Attend private school using the same or nearby bus routes used for public school trasnportation
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located in their assigned school district
Attend a public charter school located outside of their assigned school district by utilizing existing bus routes (families may be required to transport students to a specified location for pickup/drop-off)

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to another public school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Children’s Scholarship Fund.
The Oregon Department of Education’s webpage on Pupil Transportation contains statewide contact information.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 84% of public school students in Pennsylvania rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer public schools because their local public school closed
Attend a nonprofit private school within district boundaries or outside the district within 10 miles of the nearest public highway
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public charter school located within their assigned school district boundaries or attend a regional charter school that includes their district (students must live within 10 miles of the nearest highway to be eligible)

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to another public school through open enrollment

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at PA Families for Education Choice and Children’s Scholarship Fund.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education put together a Frequently Asked Questions page on their website to answer transportation questions.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend a public charter school located within their resident school district’s established bus region. The bus regions are as follows:
- Region I: Burrillville, North Smithfield, Cumberland, and Woonsocket
- Region II: Kent County (except West Greenwich), Foster, Glocester, and Scituate
- Region III: Lincoln, Smithfield, Johnston, North Providence, Barrington, and the cities of Cranston, Central Falls, East Providence, Pawtucket, and Providence
- Region IV: Washington County, Jamestown, and West Greenwich
- Region V: Little Compton, Middletown, Portsmouth, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton, and Newport
Attend a private school located within the assigned school district or there is no similar private school within the district (within the designated bus region)
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to a public school outside their city or town
Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Rhode Island Families for School Choice
The Rhode Island Department of Education’s website houses information on Student Transportation, including those attending schools outside of their assigned district

South Carolina

In South Carolina, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 44% of public school students in South Carolina rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend public charter schools located within the same district if the charter school is the sole school in the district’s attendance area

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to a public school other than their assigned school

Funding of up to $750 may be available to cover the cost of transportation to private schools through the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Palmetto Promise Institute.
The South Carolina Department of Education’s website has a page dedicated to Transportation where you will find contact information, policies, and more.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 39% of public school students in South Dakota rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer between school districts that are working together to provide transportation
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend private schools

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].

Tennessee

In Tennessee, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 47% of public school students in Tennessee rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public charter school located within the same district as the school

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to another public school through open enrollment
Attend private schools

Funding may be available to help cover transportation costs through the Tennessee Education Freedom Account program starting in the 2025-26 school year.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our Partners at the Beacon Center of Tennessee.
The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s website has a page dedicated to Pupil Transportation that contains contact information.

Texas

In Texas, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 29% of public school students in Texas rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer out of a low-performing school under the Public Education Grant (PEG) program
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend an open-enrollment charter school
Attend a public charter school and more than two miles from the school or in areas with hazardous traffic or a high risk of violence.

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend private schools

Private school students may be eligible for half-price public transportation fares when school is in session. Funding may be available to help cover transportation costs through the Texas Education Savings Account program starting in the 2026-27 school year.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Families Empowered and Breakthrough Houston.

Utah

In Utah, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 28% of public school students in Utah rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer through open enrollment due to overcrowding
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer through open enrollment (parents may need to transport students to a specific bus stop on the district’s route)
Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public school located within their assigned school district

Transportation is not available if students:

Attend private schools

Funding to help cover transportation costs to and from eligible schools may be available through the Utah Fits All Scholarship program.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Utah Education Fits All and the Sutherland Institute.
The Utah State Board of Education’s website has a page dedicated to Pupil Transportation where you can find a directory of who to contact.

Vermont

In Vermont, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 76% of public school students in Vermont rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Transfer to another public school located within their assigned school district
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend private schools located within the school district

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to another public school district through open enrollment

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].

Virginia

In Virginia, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 60% of public school students in Virginia rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to another public school within their school district
Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public charter school
Attend a private school that has an agreement with the local school district to provide transportation

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Virginia Department of Education’s website has a page with information on Pupil Transportation & Non-Public Education Facilities.

Washington

In Washington, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 32% of public school students in Washington rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public charter school
Attend a private school

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to another public school through open enrollment

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s website has contact information for their Student Transportation Staff and Regional Transportation Coordinators.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 71% of public school students in West Virginia rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to a public school outside of their assigned school district and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.
Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public charter school
Attend a private school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at Love Your School West Virginia and The Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy.
The West Virginia Department of Education’s School Transportation page lists contact information

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 45% of public school students in Wisconsin rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Attend a private school and meet specific distance and attendance zone requirements
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Transfer to another public school if parents transport the students to a stop on the district’s bus route
Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public charter school

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
Our partners at School Choice Wisconsin and Hispanics for School Choice.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s website has information for families about transportation to both public schools and private schools.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, availability and accessibility of school transportation options can vary, depending on the school and district. During the 2023-24 school year, 30% of public school students in Wyoming rode a bus to school.

Transportation is available if students:

Attend their assigned public school
Have transportation services in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as federal and state regulations require

Transportation may be available if students:

Attend a public magnet school located within their assigned school district
Attend a public charter school
Attend a private school

Transportation is not available if students:

Transfer to a public school other than their assigned school

Funding may be available to cover transportation costs through the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship, Wyoming’s education savings account program.

For more information about the transportation options available to you, we recommend reaching out to the following places:

Your school! The biggest expert you have available to you about transportation will be the schools that provide it daily. This can be the school you are currently attending or the school you are hoping to attend.
Your district. Your district’s website should house information regarding the transportation services offered. It may be located under a tab such as “operations” or “departments”.
Our Inbox is always open to help answer your school choice questions. Email us at [email protected].
The Wyoming Department of Education’s has a page with contact information for the State Pupil Transportation Director as well as a district-level directory.

Making the Trip: Transportation & School Choice

The State of Public School Transportation

Private School Transportation

Transportation for Students with Special Needs

Innovative Transportation Solutions

What States Provide

Next Steps in Your School Choice Journey

Transportation Options in Your State

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Washington D.C.

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

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