Like schools across the country, WPS is experiencing a significant bus driver shortage that has not improved despite all our efforts. Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, some households were included in EXPANDED Walk Zones, where students now walk, bike, or ride with a family member to school.  Walk Zones for 2023-2024 will remain the same for 2024-2025. This challenge provided an opportunity to come together as a community and create a culture of walking in Winchester. 

Although Walk Zones already existed in each school attendance area, they were expanded to include households with safe walking paths:

• Within 0.75 miles of an elementary school (no more than a 20 minute walk)
• Within 1 mile of a secondary school (no more than a 30 minute walk)

This expansion primarily impacted students at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart and Garland R. Quarles Elementary Schools, with smaller areas impacted near Daniel Morgan and Handley.

Safety is paramount. Walk Zones only encompass areas with safe walking paths, including sidewalks and crosswalks, and avoid four-lane roads and railroad tracks. 

If your household was previously in a walk zone, it will remain in a walk zone.