Homeschool benefits: Sonoma County Transit
Every rider ages 5 through 18 rides Sonoma County Transit free on all routes, saving up to $4.80 a trip compared with the adult fare across five zones. Eligibility depends only on age, so a homeschooled child qualifies by carrying proof of age, with no school ID or application needed. Other options include library educator cards and resources.
Sonoma County Transit youth fare
Who qualifies
Is 5 to 18 years old
Sonoma County Transit says all passengers between 5 and 18 years of age ride free. Younger children ride free when they travel with an adult.
Carries proof of age
Riders in a discount category need proof of age, and a rider without valid ID pays the full adult fare. The agency does not list which documents count for youth, so ask customer service what your child should carry.
No school enrollment required
The free fare is based on age alone, so a homeschooled child qualifies exactly like a public school student.
What the free fare saves
Sonoma County Transit's fare page lists these one-way adult cash fares, and youth pay nothing on any of them.
- Nine local routes
- Free for all
- First zone
- $1.50
- Between two zones
- $2.10
- Across three zones
- $3.00
- Across five zones
- $4.80
- Zone upgrade on a transfer
- Free for youth
A parent riding along still pays: adults owe the zone fare, and seniors 65 and older and riders with disabilities pay half.
How to ride free
- Before you ride
Bring proof of age
Have your child carry something that shows their age, since a rider without valid ID is charged the adult fare.
- On the bus
Board and ride free
Youth do not pay the fare, and transfers to another Sonoma County Transit bus within three hours are free.
- At 19
Start paying the adult fare
The free youth fare covers riders through age 18.
What it includes
Included
- All Sonoma County Transit routes
- Every fare zone
- Transfers and zone upgrades
Not included
- Riders 19 and older
- Adults riding with your child
Who to contact about youth fares
Sonoma County Transit customer service answers fare and route questions on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
707-565-7433 Discount fare categories
Sonoma County Library homeschool educator card
Who qualifies
Teaches a certified home school
Educator Cards go to teachers at Sonoma County educational institutions, and the library lists certified home schools alongside public, private, and religious schools.
Shows proof of home school
Bring proof of home school status. The library also accepts a school ID badge, an employment letter, or a paystub for other educators.
Teaches or lives in Sonoma County
The school must be in Sonoma County, or you must live in Sonoma County if you teach in another county.
Confirms each year
Cards renew on August 1, when you confirm you are still part of an educational institution.
What the card gives you
The limits come from Sonoma County Library's Educator Card page.
- Items checked out at once
- 100
- Loan period
- Up to 6 weeks
- Holds at a time
- 50
- Lost or damaged items with fees waived
- 4 per school year
- Card cost
- Free
- Renewal date
- August 1
Items borrowed from Lake County, Mendocino County, or LINK+ keep their regular loan periods, not the six-week educator period.
How to get the card
- Before you go
Gather your proof
Bring proof of your home school status and a photo ID.
- At the branch
Ask for an Educator Card
Apply in person at any Sonoma County Library location; the library lists no online application for this card.
- Each checkout
Return within six weeks
After four lost or damaged items in a school year, you pay replacement fees.
- By August 1 each year
Renew the card
Confirm you are still homeschooling so the card stays active for the next school year.
What it includes
Included
- Up to 100 library items at once
- Six-week loans
- Up to 50 holds
- A general card also allows 100 items, but the Educator Card adds loans of up to six weeks, up to 50 holds, and waived replacement fees on up to four items a school year.
Not included
- Wi-Fi hot spots
- Chrome Kits
- Discover and Go museum passes
- Extended loans on Lake, Mendocino, and LINK+ items
Who to contact about the card
Sonoma County Library's Ask Us service answers questions from patrons, and branch staff handle account questions by phone through option 3.
ask@sonomacounty.libanswers.com Ask Us
Homeschool rules and statewide help in California
For the home-based private-school pathway, file the Private School Affidavit during the October 1–15 annual filing period. New schools may use the online filing system during its separate August 1–June 30 opening window. Other legal pathways have their own rules.
California sets these rules:
- Subjects: The private-school pathway must provide instruction in English in the branches of study required for public schools; the parent chooses the materials and course sequence.
- Testing: California does not impose a statewide standardized-testing requirement on private-school students.
- Records: Private schools must keep the records required by California law, including attendance and faculty information.
- Teachers: Private-school instructors must be capable of teaching; California does not issue a separate homeschool-parent credential.
Read the California homeschooling guide See statewide programs in California
Questions parents ask
- Do we need to sign up or buy a Sonoma County Transit youth pass?
- No. Sonoma County Transit lists no application or pass for youth, and riders ages 5-18 board free with proof of age.
- Is the Sonoma County Transit free fare good on long trips across the county?
- Yes. Youth ride free in every zone, including trips across five zones where adults pay $4.80 one way.
- Can I borrow a hot spot or museum pass on the Educator Card?
- No. Hot spots, Chrome Kits, and Discover and Go museum passes are excluded from Educator Cards.
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.
Find benefits for your ZIP code