Bus Transportation
Parents/guardians must apply each year for transportation. Information on how to do this can be found on the PSD transportation website. Once approved, PSD transportation will contact you with busing information.
Students can identify their bus using the route number(s) assigned to them. Route numbers may be different for morning and afternoon. Route numbers will be posted in the window closest to the entrance.
PSD’s Transportation uses a scan-card system to enhance the safety for students who ride the bus. At the start of the school year, schools will hand out bus cards as they receive them to students approved for transportation. Students will scan this card when entering and exiting the bus. Parents/guardians can learn about and download the app for real-time monitoring at ZUM Bus.
Students can request a replacement card in the main office. Bus drivers will hand out replacement cards and new cards for students starting later in the school year.
Please encourage your child to ride the bus the first day of school so they can learn the system. School staff members, bus drivers, and additional transportation staff will help guide students to the correct buses the first couple days of school to familiarize students with the process. If you have questions about bus routes, please contact the PSD transportation department at 970-490-3232 or visit the PSD transportation website. Please familiarize yourself and your student with the Rules and Expectations for all riders.
ONLY STAFF VEHICLES AND BUSES ALLOWED BEHIND THE SCHOOL FROM 7AM - 3PM.
Morning traffic pattern at Preston Middle School:
Student drop-offs need to enter at the Northeast entrance to the school. It is a one-way entrance so two lanes can be formed. Please do not block the crosswalk at the entrance as you are waiting to enter. The right lane continues along the sidewalk to the front of the school. The left lane will have to turn into the middle or East aisle. The students will exit their cars and use the crosswalk to get to the front of the school. If all students are prepared and ready to exit the vehicle when stopped, this will help alleviate the long lines. All cars will then merge and exit out the Southeast entrance.
Between 7:40 and 8:15 all cars will turn right (South) on Corbett Dr. No drop offs are allowed behind the school in the morning as that is for busses and staff.
You can go South to Rock Creek Dr. and then turn left to access Ziegler Rd., right to access S. Timberline Rd., or continue straight to Kechter Rd. to then go East or West.
Please keep in mind that this traffic situation will be worsened on bad weather days as more parents drive students. Walking and biking to school are encouraged when appropriate.
Afternoon traffic pattern:
Parents can park on Corbett Dr. or in the Preston parking lot if there is space. Other pick-up location options include Harmony Park or near the retaining pond on Harvest Park Ln. This is South of the school. Please do not wait behind other parked vehicles in the parking lot.
Between 2:15pm and 2:45pm all cars will turn right (south) on Corbett Dr. Due to the need for emergency vehicle access, there will be no parking behind the school during athletic or special events; although exceptions will be made for handicapped and elderly spectators.
The parking lot is available after hours as well as parking along Harvest Park Ln.
Athletic and special events parking:
Please utilize the legal parking along the streets in the neighborhood and surrounding areas as well as the Traut Elementary Parking lot, but keep in mind they exit school at 3:05pm; Please DO NOT occupy the lot prior to this. Their pick-up pattern will be occupying Timberwood Dr. and the parking lot. The parking lot is one-way only, entering at the west drive and exiting on the east drive. Please time your arrival for athletic events accordingly. If you are not legally parked, in a fire/red zone, or a handicapped area you can be cited for these violations. You can drop off in front of the school but will need to park elsewhere. If family can carpool, it will significantly reduce the number of vehicles for these events.
Drop off and pickup during the school day:
If you need to come in to the school during the day, please do not leave your car directly in front of the school. Park in the parking lot only. You must come inside to sign out your student.
City of Fort Collins Bus Changes
For several years, the City of Fort Collins Transfort Department has been able to offer youth mobility throughout Fort Collins at no cost in thanks to a grant from the Bohemian Foundation. Because the free youth fare is so valuable, youth will be required to present a valid form of ID in order to ride the bus. The great news for PSD students is that the PSD Student ID card will meet that requirement! Visit fcgov.com/transfort for more information.