Sustainable transportation options for BVSD families that take advantage of Choice Enrollment

One of the wonderful things about living in Colorado is the ability for families to choose the school that best fits their child’s needs and interests. In the Boulder Valley School District, we’re fortunate to have a wide variety of schools, from dual-language and arts integration programs to STEM and experiential learning options, that make Choice Enrollment an attractive choice.

One of the biggest questions families often face when considering a school outside of their neighborhood is: How will my child get to and from school every day?

The good news is that there are many transportation options available to make getting to school easier and more sustainable for your family.

Did you know that it's also an opportunity to help your child fit more exercise into their day, make neighborhood friends in a carpool, or build independence by learning about public transit, all while reducing emissions in your community?

BVSD and Safe Routes to School

BVSD is a proud participant in Colorado’s Safe Routes to School program, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary. The program helps families explore active and shared transportation options that not only reduce traffic and emissions but also help kids start and end their day with movement, independence, and connection.

Below are several ways families can make the school trip easier, even when attending a school outside of their neighborhood. 

Space Available Option for School Buses

If your child enrolls in another neighborhood school, during Choice Enrollment, you can apply for a space-available seat on an existing BVSD bus route that serves the school. If there is available capacity, families would need to bring their student to an established bus stop. 

Applications can be submitted through Infinite Campus starting August 1st each year, and seats are typically assigned by early October (once load counts are established).

Ride for Free on RTD

Public transportation is another great option, especially for middle and high school students. Thanks to the Zero Fare for Youth program, all riders 19 and under can ride RTD for free, every day and all year round. Did you know that 74% of BVSD schools are within a quarter mile of an RTD stop? By downloading the RTD MyRide app, you can find your best route and track buses in real time. If there are no routes in your area, another option is to explore some of the on-demand, door-to-door options available, including:

• FlexRide (available in Louisville, Superior, and Broomfield) offers on-demand rides within each city.
• Ride Free Lafayette is a similar free, on-demand service available within Lafayette. Learn more at Boulder County Ride Free Lafayette.

Make Friends in a Carpool

Carpooling is one of the most effective ways to simplify transportation, reduce costs, save time, and alleviate traffic congestion. With over one-third of BVSD students attending schools outside their neighborhood, there’s a good chance another family nearby is headed to the same campus.

BVSD partners with the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Schoolpool program, which offers a secure, free platform where parents can find and connect with other families interested in sharing rides. More than 50 BVSD schools have active Schoolpool sites that families can join. Invitations to join are emailed to BVSD families each August. You can also receive an invitation by emailing SafeRoutes@bvsd.org. 

Biking and Walking

BVSD families take great pride in our district’s culture of active transportation. Our students bike and walk to school at rates far above the national average of 10%.

• In Superior, 54% of students walk or bike to school.
• In Erie, 44% of BVSD students travel by foot or bike.
• In Boulder, 31% of students bike or walk to school regularly.

If you’re considering a school that’s within biking or walking distance, check out BVSD’s School Travel Maps, which highlight low-stress routes near campus. 

“Three-Block Challenge” (a.k.a. Drive to Five)

Inspired by the concept in The Anxious Generation, this approach encourages families to avoid the congestion and hassle of the hug-and-go lane and instead enjoy a short walk to or from school.

• For younger kids: Park a few blocks away and walk together; it’s a fun way to get exercise and connect with other families.
• For older students: Drop them off a few blocks from school to give them a short walk and a sense of independence, and a little time saving for parents.

Making it Work for Your Family

Choosing to participate in Choice Enrollment gives your child incredible learning opportunities, and with a little creativity, getting them there can be easier than you think. 

Whether you carpool, bike, take the school bus, public transit, or walk part of the way, there are many community resources to help make your school choice accessible, sustainable, and rewarding for your family.

Learn more about Choice Enrollment at BVSD, and visit the BVSD Safe Routes to School webpage for more information on safe transportation options for students.