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Getting to School: Transportation Options for DC Public Charter School Students

Getting to school safely and on time is crucial for student success. In DC, public charter school students have several transportation options available to meet the needs of families across the city. Whether traveling by Metro, school bus, or carpool, students have access to a range of services that help reduce barriers to attendance and make daily commutes easier for families and caregivers.

Kids Ride Free Program
One of the most widely used programs is the Kids Ride Free initiative, which allows students up to age 21 to ride for free on DC Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator. This program is available to all DC students enrolled in public, public charter, or private schools who live in the District. Students must have a DC One Card or SmarTrip card loaded with the Kids Ride Free benefit, which is typically distributed through schools at the beginning of the school year.

To learn more or check your child’s eligibility, visit the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) Kids Ride Free page or contact the school you attend.

OSSE-Provided Transportation for Eligible Students
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) provides transportation for students with disabilities who have this service listed in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). This includes door-to-door service in a bus or van that meets the student’s accessibility needs, ensuring equitable access to education.   

As of June 9, OSSE launched the Parent Portal, a new, easier way for families to submit transportation requests for students who have a disability. This online platform will be the go-to tool for families to submit their transportation preferences for the 2025–26 school year. 

OSSE is offering in-person technical support for families who need help using the Parent Portal:

Location: OSSE, 1050 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002
Dates: July 14–26
Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4 to 7 pm, or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stay tuned as OSSE continues to provide additional training and support to schools throughout the summer. 

Click here to access the parent portal.     

School-Sponsored Bus Services
DC SchoolConnect is a city-run program launched by the Department of For-Hire Vehicles in partnership with OSSE, DCPS, and public charter schools. It offers shared stop, bus-based transportation for students from participating public charter and public schools located in Wards  7 and 8. Some of these schools include Center City PCS, DC Prep PCS, Friendship PCS, IDEA PCS, KIPP DC, Maya Angelou PCS, and Thursgood Marshall Academy PCS.

Enrollment is free but capacity-limited, currently the program is operating at full enrollment with a waitlist. Registration for 2025–26 has closed, but may reopen if space becomes available.

Contact the program directly at [email protected].           

From public transit to school-sponsored bus services, these resources help families overcome challenges and ensure students arrive ready to learn.                                                                                                                                                 

That’s why DC PCSB continues to use its voice and presence on key task forces to advocate for practical, student-centered transportation solutions—because getting to school should never be the barrier to learning.