Homeschool benefits and savings in San Antonio and Bexar County
The VIA Student Pass gives students ages 12-18 free, unlimited rides on every VIA bus route, VIA Link, and special event service in San Antonio and Bexar County, instead of $1.30 a ride or $38 for a 31-day pass. Students enrolled in a home school in Bexar County qualify; apply online, then pick the pass up at a VIA customer service center.
Who qualifies
Is 12 to 18 years old
Any active student age 12 to 18 can apply. A parent or guardian fills out the online application for a student under 13.
Is enrolled in Bexar County
VIA accepts students enrolled in a public, private, charter, or home school within Bexar County.
Picks up the pass in person
Schools hand out passes mailed to them, but homeschooled students collect theirs at a VIA customer service center.
What the pass saves
VIA's fares page lists what a rider pays without the Student Pass.
- Student Pass, ages 12-18
- Free
- Regular bus or VIA Link ride
- $1.30
- Day Pass
- $2.75
- 7-Day Pass
- $12.00
- 31-Day Pass or Semester Pass
- $38.00
- Annual Pass
- $365.00
Your student must tap the pass every time they board, and each pass covers only one semester term.
How to get the pass
- Before you apply
Fill out the form
Complete the online Student Pass application. A parent or guardian applies for a student under 13.
- After approval
Pick up the pass
Homeschool families get the pass at a VIA customer service center, such as Centro Plaza at 909 W. Houston St. or the Downtown Information Center at 211 W. Commerce.
- Through December 31, 2026
Ride for fall
The Fall 2026 pass runs August 1 to December 31, 2026.
- From January 1, 2027
Apply for spring
The Spring 2027 term runs January 1 to July 31, 2027, and applications for it are open now.
What it includes
Included
- All regular VIA bus routes
- VIA Link on-demand service
- Service to special events
- Free Wi-Fi on every bus
Not included
- Students outside Bexar County
- Riders under 12 or over 18
Who to contact about the Student Pass
VIA customer service centers hand out Student Passes to homeschooled students and answer pass questions, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
210-299-5802 Student Pass application
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Texas
You do not have to file a homeschool notice to the state.
Texas sets these rules:
- Subjects: Instruction in Texas must include reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship.
- Testing: No routine annual homeschool standardized test is required. UIL participation and public-school transfer can have separate testing requirements.
- Records: Texas does not require homeschool records, but keeping them is recommended.
- Teachers: Texas does not require homeschool parents to hold a teaching certificate.
Texas also has an education savings account that home-educated students can use.
- The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) awards $2,000 a year to selected home-education students for approved expenses. Applications for 2026-27 closed March 31, 2026; families who missed that cycle can join the 2027-28 interest list.
Read the Texas homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Texas
Questions parents ask
- Can my 10-year-old get a VIA Student Pass?
- No. The Student Pass starts at age 12. Children 5 to 13 can ride at VIA's reduced fare, which is $0.65 a ride on regular buses.
- Do we reapply for the VIA Student Pass each semester?
- Yes. Each pass covers one term, fall from August 1 to December 31 or spring from January 1 to July 31.
- Is there a Saturday pickup option?
- Yes. The Crossroads center at 151 Crossroads Blvd. and the Downtown Information Center are open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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