The school year is underway, and families are settling into new routines. Between packing lunches, getting homework done, and making sure everyone gets out the door on time, mornings can feel hectic.
For families in Fairfax County, having a plan for getting to school can make mornings safer, smoother, and less stressful.
Step 1: Consider Your Child’s School Commute
If your family already has a way to get to school, take a moment to make sure it still works well for your child and your schedule. If you’re exploring other options, 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 to School
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.
Ride the 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, make sure they’re familiar with the stop, schedule, and where to wait safely.
Carpool to School
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
If your child is walking or biking to school or the bus stop, make sure they’re comfortable with the route. Walk it together and point out crosswalks, discuss how to safely cross streets, and identify landmarks along the way. Familiarity with the route can help your child feel more confident and know what to expect.
As the days get shorter 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.
Take some time to explore your child’s route, identify crosswalks and busy intersections, and talk through any areas where they may need to be especially cautious. A little preparation can help make the school commute feel more comfortable and familiar.
Step 3: Build a Backup Plan with Guaranteed Ride Home
Many parents rely on Metro, commuter buses, carpools, or vanpools for their daily commute 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 more confident choosing a commute option other than driving alone.
Step 4: Find Your School Commute Crew
You don’t have to figure out your school commute on your own. SchoolPool helps you connect with families in your neighborhood who are heading to the same school. Find families to carpool, walk, bike, or even take Metro together — making the trip easier while 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.
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. The Boro Connect provides a variety of local resources, transportation programs, and tools designed to help Fairfax County residents travel with confidence.