Homeschool benefits and savings in Wilsonville
South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART), Wilsonville's bus service, lets riders ages 0 to 18 ride free on every route, including Route 1X to Salem, where adults pay $1.60 a trip. The free youth fare is based on age, and SMART lists no school requirement or application. Other options include library educator cards and resources.
Wilsonville SMART youth fare
Who qualifies
Is 18 or younger
Riders ages 0-18 ride free on all routes. Adult fares on Route 1X start at age 19.
Rides a SMART bus
The free fare applies on SMART service. SMART does not accept transfers from other agencies, so a trip that continues on TriMet or Cherriots needs that agency's fare.
What the fare saves
SMART's fares page lists what each rider pays; most SMART service is free because local businesses fund it through a payroll tax.
- Any SMART route, ages 0-18
- Free
- Local Wilsonville routes, any age
- Free
- Route 1X, adult one trip
- $1.60
- Route 1X, adult 30-day pass
- $45
- Route 1X, ages 60+, disability, or Medicare
- $0.80
- Out-of-Town Medical Dial-a-Ride
- $3
Drivers do not give change, so an adult riding Route 1X with your child needs exact cash or a UMO pass.
How to ride free
- Before you ride
Check the route
Local Wilsonville routes are free for everyone. Route 1X to Salem and Out-of-Town Medical Dial-a-Ride are the only services that charge fares.
- On board
Your child rides free
Board at the front. Riders 18 and under pay nothing on any route.
- For regular adult trips
Buy a pass
Route 1X passes are sold at the Salem Transit Center or in the UMO app. UMO stored value stops charging once fares reach the cost of a day or monthly pass.
- At age 19
Adult fare starts
Your student pays the adult fare of $1.60 on Route 1X, while local routes stay free.
What it includes
Included
- All SMART routes for ages 0-18
- Route 1X to Salem
- Local Wilsonville routes
Not included
- TriMet and Cherriots fares
- Transfers from other agencies
Who to contact about SMART fares
South Metro Area Regional Transit answers questions about routes, fares, and passes.
Clackamas County LINCC educator card
Who qualifies
Teaches homeschool
LINCC's Educator Card Policy lists homeschool education among the teaching roles that qualify, for adults who plan and provide educational activities for children.
Lives in Clackamas County
You must live in Clackamas County or teach at a school in LINCC's service area.
Shows proof of homeschooling
Bring a valid photo ID and a letter of acknowledgement of homeschooling from your local Education Service District.
Owes $25 or less
Your personal LINCC card must be in good standing, with $25 or less in fines.
What the card gives you
The limits come from LINCC's library card page and its Educator Card Policy.
- Physical items out at once
- 80
- Holds at a time
- 40
- Loan period
- 6 weeks
- Renewals per item
- 1
- Overdue fines
- None
- Educator cards per person
- 1
Lost or damaged items are still billed, and your account is blocked once those charges pass $25.
How to get the card
- Before you go
Gather your papers
Bring a photo ID and your ESD letter acknowledging that you homeschool.
- At any LINCC library
Sign up in person
Ask for an Educator card. It is a separate card from your personal library card.
- Each checkout
Return or renew on time
No late fines, but return or renew by the due date. Repeated late returns or personal use can cost you the card at every LINCC library.
- After July 1 each year
Renew in person
Every Educator card expires June 30. Bring your photo ID and proof of educator status to a LINCC library, with a $0 balance on the account.
What it includes
Included
- Books and other physical items for teaching children K-12
- Up to 40 holds
- Six-week loans
Not included
- E-books, digital audiobooks, and databases for group use
- Lucky Day items
- Interlibrary loan requests
- Items for personal use
Lucky Day and interlibrary loan items for your homeschool can still go on your personal LINCC card.
Who to contact about the card
LINCC asks you to contact your local library with questions about Educator card eligibility.
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Oregon
You must notify your local Education Service District (ESD) within 10 days of withdrawing from school, or of the school year's start if not withdrawing. You must notify the ESD if you leave your school district or stop homeschooling. After a move to a new ESD, notify the new ESD within 10 days.
Oregon sets these rules:
- Subjects: Oregon does not require specific subjects or a particular curriculum.
- Testing: Use an approved standardized test by August 15 after grades 3, 5, 8, and 10, subject to the initial 18-month testing grace period and disability-plan alternatives. Interscholastic participants meet annual testing or district-adopted alternative academic-evidence requirements, which may include an approved portfolio or work sample.
- Records: Keep test results and submit them to the Education Service District when requested. Retaining the ESD notification acknowledgment is also recommended.
- Teachers: Oregon does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Read the Oregon homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Oregon
Questions parents ask
- What does my student pay on SMART at age 19?
- Local Wilsonville routes stay free.
- Can my teen ride SMART to Salem for free?
- Yes. An adult riding along pays $1.60, or $0.80 for riders 60 and older, riders with disabilities, and Medicare card holders.
- Does the LINCC Educator card replace my own library card?
- No. The Educator card is a separate card from your personal library card, and each person can hold only one Educator card.
- Can we get Lucky Day items and interlibrary loans for our homeschool?
- Yes, on your personal LINCC card. The Educator card cannot borrow Lucky Day items or request interlibrary loans.
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