Maximum Walking Distance For T.C. Williams To Be Considered

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Alexandria City Public Schools could set a maximum walking distance for high school students.

Under a new proposed change, T.C. Williams High School and Minnie Howard campus students would walk no more than one and a half changes. Under the current policy, ACPS sets a radius drawn around the schools, which means some students may be walking over one and a half miles.

ACPS policy requires transportation to be provided for elementary and middle school students beyond a one-mile walking distance and a one and one-half mile walking distance from high schools. The school district anticipates the high school change would require transportation for 506 more students. Four new bus routes at T.C. Williams and one at Minnie Howard would be added to accommodate these students.

Students whose walking route requires crossing busy main roads or other hazards are eligible for transportation. DASH bus rides are free with a student ID.

The Alexandria City School Board could vote on the proposal in May. ACPS will finalize high school bus routes in June and elementary and middle school routes in May. Families will be notified of bus eligibility in May and June.