Alternate Transportation Requests

Requests for alternate transportation must be submitted using the Student Transportation Change Form (PDF). Before submitting the request form, here are the key points to note:

• School Attendance Boundary: The requested alternate location must be located within the attendance boundary of the student’s assigned school.
• Out-of-Boundary Exceptions: Requests for transportation to a recreation center, daycare, or other location outside of the student’s attendance area are strictly limited to the pre-planned, established ACPS bus stops (listed below under the tab entitled "ACPS Bus Stops for Out-of-Boundary Exceptions").
• Individual Student Review: Each request is for an individual student and will be evaluated independently on a case-by-case basis.
• Approval Requirement: Requests must be formally approved by the ACPS Transportation Office before any transportation can be initiated. Students may not ride an alternate bus until approval is finalized.

• July 13, 2026 – Downloadable/Printable Form Available: The Student Transportation Change Form (PDF) and official instructions will be available for download on the ACPS Transportation website.
• July 27, 2026 – Submissions Open: Parents/guardians may begin submitting completed forms to the school registrar or administrative team.
• August 10, 2026 – Priority Deadline: Forms must be received by this date to ensure processing before the first day of school.
• August 11 - August 28, 2026 – Review Blackout Period: No changes or requests will be reviewed during this window. This freeze ensures the timely processing and mailing of standard student transportation letters to families.

1. Complete the Form: Download and print the Student Transportation Change Form (PDF) starting July 13, 2026. A separate form must be filled out for each individual student.
2. Submission: Email or hand-deliver the completed form directly to your student's school registrar or administrative office.
3. Notification: Once reviewed by the ACPS Transportation Office, parents will be notified of the decision via email by the student’s assigned homeschool.

Before submitting the request form, here are the key points to note:

• Evaluation Window: Because school bus capacities are finalized during the first few weeks of school, most requests cannot be approved immediately. Final decisions will be communicated on or before September 30, 2026. 
• Conditional Seating: Approval is dependent on space availability and for the current school year only.
• No Route Adjustments: ACPS will not alter routes or establish new bus stops to accommodate non-eligible student requests.
• Status During Review: While your request is under review, your child will remain classified as a walker and will not be assigned to a bus.
• Rescission Policy: Approved seats may be rescinded at any time if the space is needed to accommodate a transportation-eligible student.

• July 1 – August 31 (Application Window): Requests will be accepted during this time frame.
• Post-School Start (Review Phase): After the school year begins and ACPS officially confirms that all transportation-eligible students have been assigned service, pending requests will be reviewed according to an established lottery order.
• September 30 (Final Decision Notification): Final decisions regarding seat approvals will be communicated to families by this date.

1. Gather Required Information: Before opening the form, make sure you have your child’s Student ID number and, if known, the specific details of the existing bus stop and route you are requesting.
2. Submit the Online Form: Access and complete the digital Walk Zone Bus Service Request Form for Non-Eligible Students between July 1 and August 30. Ensure no fields are left blank.
3. Arrange Alternate Transport: Because requests may not be reviewed until after school begins and standard ridership stabilizes, families must arrange their own transportation for your child at the start of the school year.
4. Notification: Final decisions regarding available space and route approvals will be communicated to families on or before September 30.