How DC students get to school — buses, Metro, and free transit programs for families.
DC Public Schools provides school bus service primarily for students with disabilities who have transportation written into their Individualized Education Program (IEP). General-education students typically do not receive yellow-bus service and use Metro, Metrobus, or family transportation instead.
Official source: DCPS Transportation Services
DC residents enrolled in any school in the District — public, charter, private, or parochial — are eligible for free Metrorail and Metrobus rides on school days through the Kids Ride Free program. Students receive a registered SmarTrip card that works on Metrorail, Metrobus, and the DC Circulator.
Official source: Kids Ride Free DC
Most DC high schools and many middle schools are within walking distance of a Metrorail station. Metrobus reaches every neighborhood in the District. Use the ward pages below to find schools and their nearest transit options.
Official source: WMATA (Metro)
DC has extensive Safe Routes to School signage near elementary schools and a growing network of protected bike lanes. The District's Safe Routes to School program is run by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
Official source: DDOT Safe Routes to School
Browse all 330 public, charter, private, and parochial schools in DC.
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