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Homeschool benefits: RideKC Kansas City

Children ages 6 to 18 pay $1 a ride on RideKC buses instead of $2, and their fares stop at $2 a day, $10 a week, or $31.25 per 30 days. Children 5 and under ride free. Eligibility is based on age, so a homeschooled child qualifies once you apply through United Way of Greater Kansas City. Other options include college classes and scholarships.

By , founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed .

RideKC youth and child reduced fares

Who qualifies

  1. Is 6 to 18 years old

    Children and teens ages 6 to 18 qualify for the reduced fare. Children 5 and under ride free without applying.

  2. Shows a valid ID

    Every applicant provides a copy of a valid ID, such as a state ID, school ID, or passport. If the ID does not show your child's age, add a separate proof of age.

  3. Has their own application

    Each child needs a separate application with the parent's name on the form. You must create a RideKCGO app account before you apply.

  4. Rides in the KCATA region

    The whole Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) service region qualifies, whether you live there or are visiting.

What the fare saves

RideKC's fares page lists regular fares and the reduced fares that took effect when bus fares returned on June 1, 2026.

Single ride (regular $2)
$1
Daily cap (regular $4)
$2
Weekly cap (regular $20)
$10
30-day cap (regular $62.50)
$31.25
Children ages 0 to 5
Free

The caps only work if you tap with the same card, phone wallet, or RideKCGO app account every ride, and that payment method has been registered as a reduced fare profile.

How to get the youth fare

  1. Before you apply

    Set up RideKCGO

    Download the RideKCGO app and create an account for your child, and have a copy of a valid ID ready.

  2. Apply

    Submit to United Way

    Apply online at unitedwaygkc.org/ridekc or in person at the East Village Transit Center, 13th Street and Charlotte Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

  3. After review

    Get the reduced fare pass

    United Way reviews the application and tells you the result, and KCATA issues the Reduced Fare pass.

  4. Every ride

    Tap the same way

    Use the same registered payment method each time so the system counts your child's rides toward the daily, weekly, and 30-day caps.

What it includes

Included

Not included

Who to contact about youth fares

RideKC customer service answers fare and pass questions from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

816-221-0660 Reduced fare application

Metropolitan Community College Kansas City homeschool dual enrollment

Who qualifies

  1. Homeschooled high school student

    A dual-enrolled student takes MCC classes while still completing high school or homeschool coursework.

  2. Applies and accepts admission

    The application is free. Accepting the admission offer creates the MCC Student ID your student needs for placement and registration.

  3. Places into college-level work

    Your student meets course prerequisites through a transcript, ACT scores from the last three years, or the free ACCUPLACER test.

  4. Meets with staff if under 16

    A student under 16 and a parent meet one-on-one with the Student Success Manager, or the Dean of Students on campus, before enrolling.

What classes cost

MCC's in-district tuition is $126 per credit hour, and dual enrollment students pay half, $63.

One class (3 hours)
$189
Two classes (6 hours)
$378
4 credit hours
$252
Same class at the regular rate
$378
One class a term for two years
$756

MCC says one dual enrollment class a semester in the junior and senior years adds up to one semester of college before graduation.

From applying to keeping it

  1. Step 1

    Apply online

    Create an application portal account with a personal email, complete the free admissions application, and accept the admission offer.

  2. Step 2

    Complete placement

    Send a transcript or ACT scores, or take ACCUPLACER by Zoom or at a campus testing center.

  3. Step 3

    Attend an enrollment session

    Homeschool students contact MCC-Online Admissions to set up dual enrollment options and a New Student Advising and Enrollment session.

  4. By the payment deadline

    Pay half tuition

    Pay online, by mail, or in person. Drop by the refund deadline to avoid charges.

  5. Each term until graduation

    Keep the rate

    The half-price rate lasts until your student graduates high school, through the spring of senior year, if under 20 when the term starts.

What it pays for

Covered

Not covered

Good to know

Who to contact

MCC-Online Admissions sets up dual enrollment for homeschool students and helps schedule placement testing.

on.admissions@mcckc.edu 816-604-1000 MCC-Online dual enrollment

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Missouri

No annual homeschool registration required. If withdrawing from public school, a written notice requesting removal from its rolls documents the change.

Missouri sets these rules:

Read the Missouri homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Missouri

Questions parents ask

Can a homeschooled child get the RideKC youth fare?
Yes. The reduced fare depends on age, not school enrollment. A school ID is just one of the accepted IDs, so a passport or state ID works too, with proof of age if the ID does not show it.
Can I apply for the RideKC youth fare for all my children at once?
No. United Way requires a separate application for each child, and each one lists the parent's name.

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.

Start your 14-day free trial

$149/month per child after the trial.

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