Homeschool benefits and savings in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Hensley
Rock Region METRO sells a Student 31-Day Pass for $19.50, instead of the $36.00 adult pass, good on Little Rock and North Little Rock buses and microtransit. Students 12 and older in home school programs qualify, with an approved discount fare application and a METRO student photo ID.
Who qualifies
Is 12 or older
METRO defines a student as a person 12 or older enrolled in a public, private, or charter middle, junior high, or high school, including home school programs.
Files a discount fare application
Complete Sections 1, 2, and 4 of the Discount Fare Application. Section 2 needs a photo ID plus proof of age, such as a birth certificate or Arkansas ID card.
Has the school section signed
Section 4 must be completed and signed by a school representative certifying that your child is a current student, with the school's name, address, and phone.
Shows a METRO photo ID
Approved riders get a Student photo ID card at the River Cities Travel Center and must show it every time they board to get the discount.
What the fare saves
Rock Region METRO's fare table for METRO Local bus and Little Rock/North Little Rock microtransit lists these prices.
- Student 31-Day Pass
- $19.50
- Adult 31-Day Pass
- $36.00
- Adult one-way fare
- $1.35
- Ages 5-11 one-way fare
- $0.60
- Replacement METRO photo ID
- $10
The $0.65 discount one-way fare is for half-price riders only, not students, so a student pays the regular fare on single trips unless using the 31-day pass.
How to get the student fare
- Before you apply
Gather documents
Bring your child's photo ID and proof of age, and have Section 4 of the application signed by a school representative.
- At the travel center
Submit the application
Turn it in at the River Cities Travel Center, 310 E. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, between 9 and 11 a.m. or 2 and 4 p.m.
- Within five business days
Get the decision
METRO tells you whether your child is approved within five business days of receiving a complete application.
- After approval
Get the photo ID and pass
Pick up the Student photo ID at the travel center, then buy the Student 31-Day Pass and show the ID each time your child boards.
What it includes
Included
- METRO Local buses in Little Rock and North Little Rock
- METRO Connect microtransit in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Hensley
- Unlimited rides for 31 days
Not included
- Students under 12
- METRO Connect Conway and Sherwood microtransit
- Free passes from METRO
Good to know
METRO does not say who signs for a homeschooler
The METRO Student Pass form needs a school representative to certify current enrollment and give the school's name, address, and phone, so call METRO at 501-375-6717 first.
Who to contact about the student fare
The METRO team answers questions about discount fare applications and student photo IDs.
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Arkansas
You must file the annual notice of intent by August 15. If withdrawing a child from public school after August 15, file at least five school days before the withdrawal, unless an exception applies.
Arkansas sets these rules:
- Subjects: Arkansas does not require specific subjects or a particular curriculum.
- Testing: Arkansas does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: Arkansas does not require homeschool records.
- Teachers: Arkansas does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Arkansas also has an education savings account that home-educated students can use.
- The Education Freedom Account pays 90% of the state's per-student foundation funding for students in private school or home school, under each year's application rules.
Read the Arkansas homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Arkansas
Questions parents ask
- Does a student pay less on a single METRO ride?
- No. The student discount is the $19.50 Student 31-Day Pass. The $0.65 discount one-way fare applies only to half-price riders, not students.
- What does my 9-year-old pay?
- Children ages 5-11 pay $0.60 one way on METRO Local buses and Little Rock/North Little Rock microtransit, and children 4 and younger ride free.
- Is the streetcar free?
- Yes. METRO Streetcar rides are fare-free for everyone.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
A student fare helps with trips to classes and activities. We handle the learning at home, with lessons built around your child's interests and feedback on their work.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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