Central Christian School Transportation & Payment in Lieu Guide
Central Christian School offers an excellent opportunity for children to receive a Christ-centered education. We understand that getting your child to campus can present logistical hurdles, but we never want transportation challenges to stand between your family and the blessing of a Central education. We are here to partner with you to support your child's safe, reliable transit to school.
Understanding Ohio Law
- Ohio Revised Code 3327.01 (Transportation of Pupils): Ohio law requires public school districts to provide transportation for eligible private school students who meet state criteria.
- Ohio Revised Code 3327.02 (Payment in Lieu of Transportation): In certain situations, a school district can officially declare transportation to be "impractical." When this occurs, the district may offer financial payment in lieu of transportation directly to affected families.
Who Is Responsible for Transportation?
In Ohio, the public school district where you live is responsible for transporting eligible private school students. Even though your child attends Central Christian School, your home district makes the official transportation decisions.
When Your Child Must Be Transported (Kâ8)
If your child is in kindergarten through 8th grade, they are typically eligible for district-provided transportation if all of the following apply:
- Distance Requirement: Your child lives more than two miles from the school. (If your child has a disability that prevents safe walking, the distance requirement does not apply.)
- Travel Time Rule: The private school is not more than 30 minutes farther than the public school your child would otherwise attend.
- School Status: The school must be a chartered nonpublic school. Central Christian School fully meets this requirement.
When Can Transportation Be Denied?
A public school district may legally deny transportation or refuse payment in lieu under the following conditions:
- Your child lives less than two miles from the school and has no qualifying disability.
- Central Christian School is beyond the 30-minute travel time threshold.
- The district officially declares transportation impractical and offers payment instead.
What Happens in High School (Grades 9â12)?
Transportation is not guaranteed for grades 9 through 12. While there are limited exceptions (such as certain career-technical programs), most families should plan for personal transportation at the high school level.
A Simple Way to Check Eligibility
Walk through this quick checklist to evaluate your status:
- Is your child in grades Kindergarten through 8?
- Is Central Christian School chartered? (Yes)
- Do you live more than two miles away (or have a qualifying disability)?
- Is Central Christian School within the 30-minute travel rule?
- Has the district declared transportation impractical?
If you answered yes to these criteria, your child likely qualifies for Ohio private school transportation or payment in lieu.
Important Note: Transportation or payment approval is at the sole discretion of your local public school board; Central Christian School cannot approve or deny requests. Each district has a formal appeals process if you believe an improper decision was made.
What Central Christian School Can Do to Help
- District Communication & Enrollment Verification: We help facilitate communication with local school districts and verify your child's enrollment to support your approval for Payment in Lieu of transportation.
- Paperwork Assistance: Because most school districts require specific forms to be submitted to their boards, we can help guide you through what needs to be filed.
- Carpools & Rideshares: We help connect families in nearby communities to coordinate carpools and rideshares. If you want to share the drive with other Central families in your area, please reach out to our office so we can facilitate connections to make your daily commute convenient, efficient, and affordable.