Buses are prepped, cafeterias are stocked, and classrooms are ready: Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) kicks off the new school year on Thursday, August 6, pairing familiar daily routines with fresh district upgrades.
Transportation
JCPS begins the new school year with approximately 700 bus drivers in place. All 640 bus routes will be covered, including coverage for anticipated driver absences. This year, we will provide transportation services to about 48,000 students.
Driver preparation is front and center heading into the new school year. Alongside a brand-new routing system, the district added two additional paid practice days so drivers can master their routes. Drivers are actively refining schedules with compound supervisors and will complete three full practice "scrimmages" before doors open on August 6.
Finding Bus Information: JCPS families can access their child's bus information two ways this year. As in previous years, families can continue relying on Bus Teller, found via the JCPS Transportation Portal at jcps.me/transportation. Bus Teller allows parents and guardians to easily view their child's bus number, bus stop location, and estimated pick-up and drop-off times but does not provide real-time tracking or live estimated arrival time information.
My Ride K-12: A second tool to track their student's school bus, which is new for the 2026–27 school year is the My Ride K-12 app. This new tool allows guardians to view their child's real-time bus location and view updates directly on their phones such as sub bus numbers. For full details and setup instructions, visit: jefferson.kyschools.us/article/2895007 or go to JCPSfirstday.com and look for the MyRideK-12 button.
Stay Informed: Families should continue to check My Ride K-12 or Bus Teller up to the first morning of school as routes are subject to change.
Get Help: In addition to being able to call your school, the 485-RIDE bus hotline is open Monday through Friday through the initial days of school, with JCPS staff available to answer transportation questions.
Transportation Verification Form: The June 8 deadline for guaranteed opening-day bus service has passed. Transportation requests to add new stop locations are currently paused through August 14 while drivers familiarize themselves with and practice their routes. New stop assignments will begin processing on August 17. Eligible families who have not yet completed the Transportation Verification Form may still submit a request on the Transportation Portal to receive transportation services in the next available route update. To ensure as many students as possible are accounted for, school teams are continuing direct outreach to registered families who haven't completed their verification forms.
Technology on Buses: Every JCPS route-bus is equipped with real-time video streaming, enabling transportation officials to monitor onboard safety and respond immediately to any reported incidents or accidents. In addition, drivers will use mounted tablets for turn-by-turn route navigation.
Practice Patience: Getting back into the school routine takes time and teamwork. JCPS asks parents and drivers for grace and extra caution on the roads during the first few weeks of school as bus drivers and families navigate new pickup times, traffic flows and daily drop-off procedures. Minor delays are expected during the first few weeks of school. While bus arrival time can be tracked in the My Ride K-12 app, we’re asking families to arrive about 20 minutes early to their stop the first few days to help buses run on time.
Afternoon Kindergarten Bus Stops: Please remember that a guardian needs to be present at the bus stop in the afternoon in order for a driver to release a kindergarten student. Similar to the morning timing, if guardians are at the bus stop about 20 minutes before their scheduled time the first few days it will help buses run on time in the afternoon. After the first few days, checking MyRideK-12 will allow guardians to gauge typical arrival times.
Nutrition Services
Jefferson County Public Schools is pleased to provide free breakfast and lunch to all JCPS students during the 2026–2027 school year.
Students who wish to purchase USDA Smart Snacks may do so using cash at the point of sale or funds available in their meal account. Parents can conveniently add money to their student's account through My School Bucks at myschoolbucks.com.
Parents are encouraged to explore the JCPS online menus at jcps.nutrislice.com, where they can view daily menus, filter items by allergens, access carbohydrate counts, and find additional nutrition information.
Families of K–12 students who are not directly certified for free meal benefits are encouraged to complete the Education Benefits Form (EBF) online at JCPS.me/EBF. Completing the EBF helps ensure schools receive important federal and state funding that supports educational programs and services.
Preschool families will need to complete a meal application for their child's afternoon snack. Meal applications will be distributed by each student's teacher.
JCPS Nutrition Services is 100% federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Program funding is based on student meal participation, so we encourage all students to enjoy healthy school meals throughout the year.
Student Communication Policy Reminder
SB 181 requires district staff to use approved, traceable platforms for all student communications. Approved platforms include Google Workspace For Education, Thrillshare Rooms and Alerts, JCPS Email Addresses, Microsoft For Education, Infinite Campus Messenger, and Class Dojo. Direct communication via an unapproved platform, such as a cell phone text message, is permitted only if multiple staff members or parents/guardians are included in the message. Alternatively, parents may submit a form granting permission for designated staff to communicate directly with their child.
Health Services
All Kentucky students are required to have an immunization certificate on file by the second week of school. If a child is not up-to-date on immunizations and their family doesn't have health insurance or a doctor/health care provider, JCPS Health Services offers free vaccinations to eligible students, with an appointment, every weekday at two locations: The C.B. Young Building, 3001 Crittenden Dr. and the South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Avenue. To check on a child’s immunization status or make an appointment for them to be vaccinated, families should call JCPS Health Services at (502) 485-3387.