July 15, 2026 — The first day of kindergarten is a milestone filled with excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a few butterflies. To help make that first school bus ride a little less intimidating, Cobb Schools is once again inviting incoming kindergarten and first-grade students and their families to participate in the annual Kindergarten Ride-Along.
The annual tradition provides families with kindergarten and first-grade students the opportunity to experience the morning bus ride together before the first day of school. The program allows students to practice their route, meet their bus driver, and become familiar with the school bus in a fun, supportive environment.
Why Participate?
The Kindergarten Ride-Along helps students build confidence while giving parents peace of mind. During the experience, families can:
- Ride their regular morning bus route together.
- Meet the friendly bus driver who will welcome students each day.
- Practice safe boarding and exiting procedures.
- Become familiar with the trip to school before the first day of school
- Learn why the school bus remains the safest way for students to travel to and from school.
What to Expect
- Buses will run their regular morning routes on July 30.
- Look up your bus schedule and route on the District website.
- Parents and students should arrive at their bus stops a little early, just as they will on the first day of school.
- Times may vary slightly as drivers rehearse and adjust their routes.
- Track your student's bus with confidence. This year, the District is introducing a new bus-tracking app, Edulog, for families to view bus information and track their child's bus in real time.
- After the test ride, buses will return parents and students to their bus stops.
A Great First Step
For many children, riding the school bus is one of the biggest transitions into elementary school. The Kindergarten Ride-Along helps turn uncertainty into excitement by allowing students to experience the journey alongside a parent or guardian before the first official day of school. The Cobb Schools Transportation team is looking forward to welcoming Cobb's youngest learners and helping them begin their school journey with confidence.
Kindergarten Ride-Along
Date: Thursday, July 30
Who: Incoming kindergarten and first-grade students and one parent or guardian
Bring: Your excitement and be at your assigned bus stop a few minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
We can't wait to welcome our newest kindergartners and help them start the school year off with confidence. See you on the bus!
