Canyons School District is asking Cottonwood Heights families to verify their children's bus routes and eligibility before the 2026-27 school year begins Monday, Aug. 17. A state law change last year shifted stops across the district and raised the distance threshold for sixth graders.
The district published updated routes on its website Monday, July 21, giving families nearly four weeks to look up their address and confirm whether their student qualifies for a ride.
What changed
A 2025 change in Utah law raised the busing eligibility threshold for sixth graders from 1½ miles to 2 miles from their boundary school. Before the change, sixth graders qualified at the same distance as kindergarten through fifth grade students.
That shift forced the district to redraw stops and adjust pickup and drop-off times during the 2025-26 school year. Those route changes carry over to 2026-27, the district said in its back-to-school transportation notice.
Under current law, the district receives state funding to bus general-education students in kindergarten through fifth grade who live at least 1½ miles from school, and students in grades six through 12 who live at least 2 miles away.
Key dates
- Monday, Aug. 3, 8:30 a.m. — Applications open for space-available bus permits (for students who don't meet the distance threshold). Back-to-School Online Registration also begins.
- Monday, Aug. 17 — First day of school, grades 1-12.
- Wednesday, Aug. 19 — Kindergarten starts.
- Monday, Aug. 24 — Preschool starts.
- Friday, Sept. 11 — Transportation Department provides schools with the list of approved space-available permits.
Space-available permits
Families whose children live too close to qualify for state-funded busing can apply for a space-available permit. Seats are assigned first-come, first-served based on the timestamp of each online application.
Students who already qualify under the distance rules do not need to apply. Students attending a school outside their geographic boundary are not eligible for the permit program, with the exception of those riding SALTA routes.
Permit holders should not expect bus service on the first day. The district will not provide transportation for non-qualifying students during the first few weeks of school while it verifies how many students are guaranteed rides under state law. Approved families will be notified automatically through the online system by Sept. 11.
How to check
Families can look up their eligibility and bus stop information using the district's interactive route finder at infofinderi.com/ifi. Those without computer or internet access can use machines available in school lobbies during registration.
Parents with questions can call the Canyons School District Transportation Department at 801-826-5264.
