Student Transportation

The Fees for students in grades 7-12 for the 2024-2025 school year is $250 for the first student in a family, $500 maximum per family.  Payments must be received by June 30th. There is NO FEE for students in grades K-6.  After June 30th the fee will increase to $300 per student, $600 maximum per family.

This fee will enable a student to ride the bus in the morning, the afternoon at dismissal, and/or each day a late bus is scheduled. 

Fees may be paid online by electronic check or credit card, paper check (made out to Norwell Schools), or with cash in person at Norwell Public Schools Central Office, 322 Main Street.

 Online payments through Unipay may be made with your checking account, MasterCard, Amex or Discover Card.  Unipay does not accept Visa. There is a $0.50 processing fee when paying via your checking account. The credit card service provider charges an additional fee if you pay with a credit card. Click HERE to pay online by check or credit card.  Be sure to enter Norwell and select Town of Norwell School Department.  ( see below)

• All bus routes and stops are determined by the Director of Finance, Operations & Technology. They are developed with consideration for maximum safety and time efficiency. Designated stops will be determined based upon location of students and safety in order to maximize timeliness of transportation service.
• Students will be picked-up and dropped-off only at designated stops. Parents can write a note granting permission for their child to exit the bus at a different bus stop on their assigned bus route. This note should be submitted to the office for approval and then to the bus driver when the child enters the bus.
• Students are picked-up and dropped-off on a First On/First Off basis. 
• In no case will buses enter dead-end roads if there is not adequate turn-around space without entering private property. 
• Students will be picked up and dropped off at daycare or employment (in Norwell), upon written request by the parent or guardian and after approval by the principal. These arrangements must be permanent, pre-arranged and the same for all days.
• Students are not allowed to ride a different bus except in the case of emergency and with approval by the principal.

When will I find out my child's bus stop?

For information regarding bus routes please see specific route information for your student in your Aspen Parent Portal account at the end of August. An email to families will be sent once this information is available. 

Where will my child be picked up or dropped off?

Most students will walk to a common bus stop.  All stops will be at corners, whenever possible, so that they are fair and consistent for all. Bus stops are set up in accordance with School Committee policy and State law. Parents are responsible to assure that their child is at the correct bus stop. Any child standing at unauthorized locations or bus stops who is not assigned to that location may not be picked up.

Kindergarten Students: Students will board the bus at a group stop with the other neighborhood elementary students (provided there is one in your neighborhood). Students leaving at the end of the day will be dropped off at a designated group stop in your neighborhood.

 ALL kindergarten students must be met as they leave the bus by an adult. Failure to meet your child's bus will result in your child being returned to school. It is school policy to return children to their school should an adult not be present to meet the Kindergarten students.

Can my child ride home on another bus?

No. Students may ride only on their assigned buses. If there is a family emergency or medical situation, parents should notify the school principal and other transportation arrangements may be made.

Can student conduct result in suspension from the school bus?

Students are expected to behave in a manner which will provide for optimum safety of the individual student as well as the safety of other students aboard the bus. When a student is reported for violating a safety rule in and around a school bus, school officials will review the situation with the student. Parents will be notified of the behavior. Depending on the severity of the offense and the frequency of violations, the student may: receive a warning, brief suspension from the bus or suspension for the balance of the school year.

Fees will not be refunded if a student in grades 7-12  is suspended from the bus.

Is there a provision for a fee waiver?

Yes.  If you cannot afford the transportation fee and meet income requirements, please notify your building principal.

• Follow the driver’s instructions. 
• Do not eat or drink on the bus. Food consumption on buses compromises the safety of children with food allergies. 
• Keep all harmful materials off the bus. 
• Keep all parts of your body and all objects to yourself and inside the bus. 
• Keep the noise level down and remain seated facing forward.
• Keep the aisles clear and do not litter, write on, or damage the bus.
• All misbehavior on the bus will be reported to the principal. 

Norwell Busing Standards