Transportation
See transportation options for your school.
Current Students
At Notre Dame Catholic Schools, we understand that getting your child to and from school safely and efficiently is a top priority. Whether you utilize the services provided by your local school district or arrange for private transport, we are here to support your family's commute.
New York State Transportation Law
Under New York State Education Law §3635, your local public school district is required to provide transportation to students attending non-public schools, provided certain eligibility requirements are met.
1. The 15-Mile Rule
Districts must provide transportation for students who live within a specific distance from our campus:
- Grades K–8: Students must live more than 2 miles and up to 15 miles from the school.
- Grades 9–12: Students must live more than 3 miles and up to 15 miles from the school.
2. The April 1st Deadline
This is the most critical date for New York families. To guarantee transportation for the upcoming school year, a written request must be submitted to the home school district by April 1st. Notre Dame Schools does this on behalf of its families provided the request is submitted to Notre Dame Schools by March 23, 2026.
3. Centralized Pickup Points
If your home is more than 15 miles from our school, you may still be eligible for transportation if your district uses "Centralized Pickup Points." In these cases, the district may pick up your child at a designated public school within the 15-mile radius, provided a student from your district who lives within the 15-mile limit is already attending our school.
How to Apply
To secure a spot on a district bus for the 2026-2027 school year, please follow these steps:
- 1. Download the Form: Notre Dame Catholic Schools Transportation Request
- 2. Submit by March 23, 2026: To the Notre Dame campus your child will be attending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my district is closed but Notre Dame Catholic Schools are open? Under NY state law, school districts are not required to provide transportation on days when the public school is not in session (e.g., Spring Break or specific Professional Development days), even if our school is holding classes.
Does the school provide its own private shuttle? At this time Notre Dame Catholic Schools has a shuttle service available to Rome elementary students and elementary and jr & sr high students in the outlying areas who do not qualify for transportation from their public school district. Please contact the Notre Dame campus your child will be attending for further details.
What happens if I miss the April 1st deadline? Districts can deny late requests unless you can provide a "reasonable excuse" for the delay. Generally, simple forgetfulness is not accepted as a valid excuse by the Commissioner of Education.
For questions regarding busing, contact:
Elementary School Campus, Grades K–5
Mrs. Samantha Schreck-Ivey, Administrative Assistant at (315) 732-4374 x0.
Call Mrs. Samantha Schreck-IveyJr–Sr High School Campus, Grades 6–12
Mrs. Hope Neilsen, Office Manager at (315) 724-5118 x10.
Call Mrs. Hope NeilsenStudent Drivers
Student drivers must apply for a student parking permit. Apply here.
There is a one-time cost of $10 for the parking permit.
Student drivers must complete the application, have a parent sign it, and return it to the main office with a copy of their driver’s license and the vehicle’s insurance card. All student drivers must park in the student parking lot adjacent to the baseball field behind the school. Student drivers may not park in faculty or administrative parking lots. There are no exceptions.
Driving to school and parking in the student parking lot are privileges that may be revoked if students do not comply with the established rules for driving and parking. Attendance and punctuality, grades, and conduct will also impact this privilege.
Learn More About Notre Dame Schools
Schedule a Tour
Tour our campuses, let your student shadow one of ours, or speak to an admissions officer.