Transportation
Yellow Bus
Washington Middle School students are assigned a yellow-bus route based on their home address via Zum transportation. Buses are not available for students who live within a 2-mile radius of the school. Students must take the bus they are assigned. Bus assignments are sent via letter to student’s home address and available for view on The Source.
Guardians can use the Zum App for real-time ride tracking and Estimated Time of Arrivals: ridezum.com/getstarted
The transportation department is not in schools, if you have any questions about your students bus route, bus number or if your student qualifies for a bus please reach out to the transportation department at 205-252-0900 or transdept@seattleschools.org.
Please note when a student is late to first period via yellow bus, they are to sign in at the main office and will receive a pink pass to go to class. Then, their attendance is changed from absent to late bus (LB) in our coding system. For any questions or concerns around the late bus coding, please email our attendance specialist, Nia Hall, nihall@seattleschools.org.
Ride Share
Students who receive transportation via Hop Skip are responsible to exit the building in a timely manner and locate their Hop Skip in the staff parking lot. If they are unable to locate their ride, then they may ask a staff member. Guardians are responsible for checking the ride share app and communicating with Hop Skip regarding any changes or issues.
WMS is not responsible for Hop Skip services. For any concerns regarding Hop Skip please reach out at transdept@seattleschools.org or via the phone at 206.252.0900.
Riding the School Bus with a Friend?
- A note from the Parent/Guardian stating that they give you (the student) permission to ride a bus to your friend’s home.
- Student’s full name (printed)
- Bus number the student will be riding
- Location of the bus stop
- Date
- Parent/Guardian (legible) signature and phone number
Phone calls cannot be accepted. We must have parent or guardian permission in writing. Please bring the note to the Attendance Office before 10 a.m. Pick up your temporary yellow bus card in the Attendance Office at the end of school. If you have any questions, call us at 206-252-2604.
Student Pick Up and Drop Off
Please see below for important pick-up and drop-off procedures for the 2026 – 27 school year. Following this procedure ensures a smooth process for all students, families, and staff.
School Street
20th Place S, in front of Washington Middle School’s Flagpole, is a designated “School Street” and is open to only school buses, district transportation, deliveries, and people walking and biking. This street is closed to families dropping off or picking up their students. We’re partnering with the City to make the signage permanent and widen the sidewalk so it’s more comfortable for walking, biking, and school bus loading. “School Street” Info: https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/safety-first/safe-routes-to-school/school-streets
Staff Parking Lot
The staff parking lot will be closed to families. This is common at many schools across the district and a change we decided to make to support our students. Information on supported pick-up and drop-off locations is shared below.
Pick-Up / Drop-Off
In partnership with the City of Seattle, there are two school load and unload areas. We encourage families to do this quickly during arrival and dismissal.
- School Load on S Jackson St – 30 minutes between 8 AM – 5 PM
- School Load on 20th Pl S – just south of S Lane St – 15 minutes between 8 AM – 10 AM and 3 PM – 5 PM
To assist with safety and congestion, students are encouraged to:
- Ride the school bus if they’re eligible. Email transdept@seattleschools.org to request service for students who live outside of a 2-mile radius.
- Ride the Metro bus (free for all youth under 19). The 4, 8, 14, and 48 all stop within a block of our school.
- Walk or bike – did you know over ½ of our students walk or bike to school at least one day a week? We’re proud to have so many students arriving by walking, biking, and busing and we’re working with the district and the City to support more students to get to school without driving.
- We understand sometimes families need to drive! If you need to drive, please pick-up or drop-off your scholar in the surrounding community and walk in.
School departure and arrival takes a village to ensure students are getting to where they need to be in a timely and safe manner. Thank you for your assistance.
SPS Transportation
Seattle Public Schools provides free transportation for students who live within their school attendance area but outside the school’s walk zone.
If a student is placed in a program, such as deaf and hard of hearing services, that is not available in your neighborhood (attendance) area school, transportation is usually provided.
Transportation Eligibility Guidelines
- Elementary and K-8 schools have a 1-mile walk boundary. Eligible students are provided service primarily on yellow school buses.
- Middle schools have a 2-mile walk boundary. Service is either by yellow school bus or ORCA card for the Metro.
- High schools have a 2-mile walk boundary. Service is provided with an ORCA card.
Safe Routes to School
Biking and walking are great ways to get to school. Use the City of Seattle interactive map to find safe walking and biking routes to your school.
Walk, Bike, and Roll to School
Walking, biking, and rolling to school supports exercise, reduces pollution, and connects neighbors. Studies even show students arrive at school more attentive and ready to learn. Visit this page for resources to support you in walking, biking, and rolling to school.
Delayed Bus
Bus routes are sometimes delayed due to traffic, weather, construction, or other situations.
If your bus is late, we recommend your student stay at the bus stop. Please create a plan and discuss with your student what to do if their bus is late.
View today’s bus routes that are reported as running at least 15 minutes late.