Transportation
Safe and Reliable Transportation for All Eligible Students
The Hempstead Union Free School District is committed to providing safe, efficient, and timely transportation services for eligible students, including those attending district schools, Universal Pre-K (UPK) programs, and approved private, parochial, and charter schools.
Pre-K Transportation
All enrolled Universal Pre-K (UPK) students are eligible for transportation services.
Students are transported from their designated home school bus stop to their assigned UPK program location. Pick-up and drop-off times and locations are based on the home address provided to the Central Registration Department. Please ensure your address is accurate and up to date to avoid delays in service.
Private, Parochial & Charter School Transportation
The 2026–2027 Transportation Request Portal for Private, Parochial, and Charter School students will open on January 19th, 2026.
Parents/guardians must submit an online transportation request by the April 1st, 2026 deadline, as required by New York State Education Law. Late applications may not be eligible for service.
2026-2027 Transportation Memo
To: Parents/Guardians of the Hempstead School District
From: Mr. Jamal J. Scott, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations
In accordance with New York State regulations, parents/guardians of students attending private, parochial, or charter schools must submit a transportation request by April 1st each year. For the 2026–2027 school year, parents are required to complete the online transportation application available on the Hempstead School District website. (See the FAQ section below for more details.)
Instructions for accessing the online application are included within this letter. Failure to submit the application by April 1, 2026 will result in the loss of transportation eligibility.
All new residents must provide proof of residency. Proof of residency can be submitted at our Registrar's Office located at 15 E. Marshall St., Hempstead, NY 11550. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Registrar's Office at (516) 434‑4160.
Each child requires a separate transportation application, which must be submitted annually, even if your child is currently receiving transportation services. The Hempstead School District requires parents to use our online application form; we will not accept transportation requests directly from private, parochial, or charter schools.
Eligible students must be five years old on or before December 1, 2026, and all transportation eligibility follows public school age requirements. Be sure to complete all required information in the online application.
For assistance, please contact the Transportation Office at (516) 434‑4069, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT: If the online application is not submitted by April 1, 2026, your child will not be eligible for transportation. Families who miss the deadline will be responsible for arranging and paying for transportation.
FAQ
1. How do I apply for transportation services?
Transportation applications must be submitted through the Hempstead Schools website at www.hempsteadschools.org under the Administration tab (click Transportation), or via the link on the district homepage.
2. When is the deadline to submit a transportation application?
All transportation applications must be submitted online by April 1, 2026, for the 2026–27 school year.
3. What if my child's school is undecided?
If you are unsure of your child's school, submit an application for each potential school. The final choice must be confirmed with the Transportation Department by July 1, 2026.
4. What if my child is accepted to a school after the April 1, 2026 deadline?
If your child is accepted into a school after April 1, 2026 and no application was submitted before the deadline, your child will not be eligible for transportation.
The online application closes at 11:59 PM on April 1, 2026.
Families who do not submit an application on time will not receive transportation for the 2026–27 school year.
5. What if I miss the deadline?
The Hempstead School District will not accept applications after April 1, 2026, and your child will not receive bus transportation.