Back-to-school season brings plenty of excitement, but it also means adjusting to new routines. Between packing lunches, making sure homework is done, and getting everyone out the door on time, mornings can feel hectic.
Before the first day of school arrives, take a few minutes to think about how your family will get to school each day. Whether your child rides the school bus, walks to the bus stop, bikes, or carpools, having a plan can make mornings safe, smooth, and less stressful.
Step 1: Choose How Your Child Gets to School
Start by thinking about what transportation option works best for your family. Consider your child’s age and comfort level, your schedule, the distance to school, and whether you can share the trip with other families.
Walk or Bike
Walking or biking can be a healthy way to start the school day and gives children an opportunity to build independence. Even if your child doesn’t walk all the way to school, walking to the bus stop is another way to add walking to the school-day routine.
School Bus
For many families, the school bus provides a convenient way to get to school. If your child has a new bus route this year, take some time to get familiar with the stop and schedule before school starts.
Carpool
Carpooling isn’t just a convenient way to share the school commute — it can also help build community. Connecting with neighbors or classmates’ families allows parents to share driving responsibilities while giving children the opportunity to travel with friends.
Rotating drop-off duties can save time, reduce traffic around schools, and make busy mornings a little easier for everyone.
Step 2: Know Before You Go
Before the first day of school, try walking the route together a few times. Point out crosswalks, discuss how to safely cross streets, and identify landmarks along the way. Taking time to get familiar with the route can help your child feel more confident about what to expect.
As the days get shorter later this fall, help your child stay visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing. If they’ll be waiting outside before sunrise, a small flashlight or clip-on light can help them see and be seen. If other families in your neighborhood have children attending the same school, consider walking together to make the trip more enjoyable while helping everyone look out for one another.
If your child is biking, make sure they have a properly fitted helmet and understand the rules of the road. Check that their bike is ready for the school commute, including properly inflated tires and working brakes, and review any intersections or areas where they’ll need to pay extra attention.
Safe Routes to School
Whether your child walks, bikes, or rides to the bus stop, Fairfax County’s Safe Routes to School program offers resources to help families find comfortable routes for walking and biking. MetroWest Connect has a dedicated page with mapped routes to Marshall Road Elementary School and Oakton High School.
Step 3: Build a Back Up Plan: Guaranteed Ride Home
Many parents rely on Metro, commuter buses, carpools, or vanpools to get to work. If an unexpected school call means you need to pick up your child during the day, the Guaranteed Ride Home program can provide peace of mind.
Eligible commuters can receive up to six free rides home each year for qualifying emergencies, including a child becoming sick or needing to leave school unexpectedly. It’s a simple way to feel confident choosing a commute option other than driving alone.
Step 4: Find Your School Commute Crew
You don’t have to figure out the school commute on your own. SchoolPool helps you connect with families in your neighborhood who are heading to the same school. You can find families to carpool, walk, bike, or even take Metro together making the trip easier and helping reduce traffic around schools.
Already know another family at your child’s school? Ask if they’d like to split drop-off and pick-up days or take turns driving. Visit Connections at MetroWest to learn more about SchoolPool and find your commute crew.
We’re Here to Help You Get Around Fairfax and Beyond
From school-day routines to your daily commute, finding the right transportation option can make your life a little easier. Visit our website to explore local resources, transportation programs, and tools designed to help Fairfax County residents travel with confidence.
