Parent Responsibility Zone (PRZ)
- Used by school districts across the United States as a way to manage limited transportation resources.
- In Knox County, elementary students within 1.0 mile from their school, by the shortest route, are in the PRZ. Middle and high students within 1.5 miles from their school, by the shortest route, are in the PRZ. Bus or shuttle service cannot be provided.
- School Board policy does not dictate these students must “walk.” It says, “it is the parent's responsibility to get their children to school.”
Bus Stop Locator
- Click here for the Bus Stop Locator
- Enter street number and street address (sometimes less is more; enter partial street name to pull up a more comprehensive list)
- Click on the school name
- Child should utilize first stop listed as this will be the “assigned stop”
Additional Bus Stop Locator Instructions
Bus Stop Locator
Bus routes are still being modified for the 2025 - 26 school year. Please continue to check back for the most up-to-date information.
Knox County Schools provides free bus transportation to your child's school. The only exception is for students who live within the Parent Responsibility Zone (PRZ) of the school to which the student is zoned. If the student lives within the PRZ, the parent is responsible for providing transportation.
Bus Stop Locator
Use the Bus Stop Locator, to find the bus stop nearest to your home. Follow the directions on the site or take a look below for directions on using the Bus Stop Locator.
Bus Stop Request
Below you will find a link for requesting a new bus stop. The Transportation Department gladly reviews all requests for bus stop changes. Safety is of the utmost importance; therefore, all requests are carefully reviewed by our routing and safety teams. Bus stop requests will be reviewed when the 2025-2026 routes are finalized. You may still submit your request now.
- For Grades K - 5: The Parental Responsibility Zone is 1 mile. Distance between stops “shall be no closer than (1/4) mile apart” (KCS Handbook E.3).
- For Grades 6 - 12: The Parental Responsibility Zone is 1.5 miles. Distance between stops “shall be no closer than (1/2) mile apart” (KCS Handbook E.3)
Submit your request with the Online Form
An automated email will be sent confirming your submission. If you do not receive a reply, please contact the department:
- General Transportation Line: 865-594-1550
- Bus Safety Hotline: 865-594-1935
- Email: transportation@knoxschools.org
Parent Resources
- Go to knoxschools.org > I want to… > Find Bus Information
- Daily Bus Report: First source of most current bus delays, bus substitutions, and road information.
- School Bus Handbook: Provides explanation of transportation procedures based on Knox County School Board Policies.
- ParentSquare: All subscribers to the KCS messaging system will automatically receive transportation-related emails and text notifications by default.
Bus Stop Safety and Policies
- During the first two weeks of school, be at the stop early and allow a 10 minute window both before and after the “Stop Time” listed on the Bus Stop Locator.
- After the first two weeks, be at the stop 5 minutes early so you can be STANDING at the stop as the bus arrives. This is critical for student safety, as running from a waiting car is dangerous for the student and the bus driver (this is in alignment with KCS School Board Policy).
- Utilize all Parent Resources in order to have the most up-to-date information pertaining to bus delays and issues.
- Dress for inclement weather as there could be bus delays due to traffic issues.
- Students are responsible for knowing their stop and getting off a the correct stop. If they miss their stop, they need to communicate to the driver immediately. If possible the driver return to the stop. If not, the student will be returned to the school.
Inclement Weather
- Buses may not cover some roads when KCS deems them unsafe for school bus travel. Check Daily Bus Report for details of specific road status.
- If a student does not normally ride the bus but needs to ride on delay days, call the Transportation Department at 865-594-1550 (opens at 6:00 am).
Transfer Students
Parents/Guardians of transfer students are responsible for their children's transportation. Transfer students are not eligible for bus or shuttle transportation.
Electronic Devices
All laptops, tablets, and similar devices are to be packed away and not used while on the bus.
Cell phones can be used if not causing a distraction but should not be used while boarding or exiting the bus. This is for student safety.
Tips and Reminders
- When exiting the bus, look both ways before crossing the street. Walk quickly but use caution crossing the road and pay attention to oncoming traffic.
- Band/orchestra instruments must be secured and cannot jeopardize student safety. They cannot be in the bus aisle or impede passenger movement. Larger instruments may not be the permitted on buses with a high capacity of riders.
Customer Service
Transportation Customer Service
transportation@knoxschools.org
865-594-1550, Option 1.