Transportation
Wheeler helps to connect families with the transportation options available through private (available for a fee) or state-sponsored (participating cities only) busing. See below for information about these transportation options. Please note that registration forms, deadlines for registration, and relevant contact information are different for each option.
City of Providence
New Families
Please note that you must register with the Providence School System for transportation purposes. Tel: 401-456-9297; Fax: 401-278-0553; and Email: Inforeg@ppsd.org. During peak registration season, you will receive a response within 5-7 business days.
City of Providence Busing for Lower and Middle School Students
The Providence School Board Policy allows assistance in transportation for (1) Elementary students who live more than one mile from the school to which they are assigned; (2) Middle School students who live more than one and one-half miles from the school to which they are assigned. Every parent requesting transportation through the City of Providence must submit this request form.
City of Providence Busing for Upper School Students
High school students who live over 1 mile from the school to which they are assigned may receive a RIPTA pass at no cost to the family. If your student needs and qualifies for the RIPTA pass, you must complete this request form.
RIDE Statewide Transportation (Non-Providence Residents)
If you reside in one of the participating districts listed under Region 3 (including Barrington, Bristol, Central Falls, Cranston, Johnston, North Providence, Pawtucket, Smithfield, and Warren), open enrollment and new transportation requests are available throughout the entire school year. Please contact the statewide office at 401-304-9136 or swplanningrequest@ride.ri.gov if you have any questions.
East Providence RI Busing
Students residing in East Providence are eligible for statewide busing and can apply through the East Providence School Department using this request form. All requests must follow the proof of residency procedure as outlined on the form. If you have questions, contact 401-383-2224 x30046.
Lincoln RI Busing
Students residing in Lincoln are eligible for statewide busing and can apply through the Lincoln Public School Transportation Department by submitting this form on their website. If you have any questions, you may contact 401-721-3309 or Ktucker@lincolnps.org.
Shuttle Bus from Wheeler’s Providence Campus to and from the Farm Campus
We are excited to continue Wheelies the Shuttle Bus service between Wheeler Farm and our Providence campus for the 2024-25 school year! The round-trip fee for the school year is $950 per student (less than $3.00 a ride) or one-way is $550. You can sign-up by completing this form. Bus registration is managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Route 95 N and 495 Corridor Private Bus Option
The Wheeler School offers a private bus service for families living near Route 95 North and 495 Corridor for the 2024-25 school year. The cost of the full-year round-trip service will be $2,800. We will also offer a one-way option that allows a student to ride the bus once every day, either in the morning or afternoon, at $1,950 for the year. The completed contract and deposit for the 2024-2025 school year must be submitted by August 23rd, 2024. Bus registration is managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
South County Area Private Bus Option
The Wheeler School offers private bus service for families living near Routes 1, 4, and 95 with three pickup points. Information on the bus stops, schedule, and fees for this private service is updated annually. The completed contract and deposit for the 2024-2025 school year must be submitted by August 23rd, 2024. Bus registration is managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Carpooling
Although Wheeler does not coordinate carpools, families can log-in to the Parent Portal, search the Parent Directory by town, and reach out to others in their area to organize ride-shares for students who live near each other. This information can also be found on the website.
In Case of Inclement Weather
Wheeler School officials along with private bus providers decide whether or not it is safe to run the bus service. Therefore, it is imperative that on mornings with a potential delay, you must check the Wheeler School Home Page and the local news for any late openings or school closings. With respect to afternoon service, Wheeler will do its best to communicate any early pick-ups to you as parents and your students during the school day so that he/she can arrive home safe and sound.
Please see this document for specific information related to the various bus companies that provide transportation to and from Wheeler. Please note that you should contact your bus provider, rather than the school, with any questions in the event of inclement weather (you can find contact information in the document).