School Spotlight
Stronger Systems, Stronger Futures
Facing Transportation Barriers
At the start of the 2024–25 school year, many United Schools families were left without reliable access to school transportation. Service gaps and “impractical to transport” designations meant dozens of students struggled to secure consistent rides, while unreliable communication left families navigating missed buses, late arrivals, and confusing or inaccurate notifications.
The impact was significant:
- Some students arrived up to two hours late to school.
- Afternoon dismissals stretched well into the evening.
- Staff members were forced to personally drive students home.
- Families ultimately withdrew from United when they could not secure consistent transportation.
Supporting families through mediation consumed enormous staff time, while the daily reality of inconsistent transportation disrupted learning for hundreds of students.
A Bold Step Forward
In 2025-26, United took action. With 4MATIV’s expertise, the school designed and launched its own independent school transportation system—one tailored to the unique needs of its students and families.
Through a rigorous RFP process managed by 4MATIV, United partnered with FirstStudent, one of the nation’s leading transportation providers. From there, 4MATIV took on full management of the system, including:
- Bus routing and scheduling
- Parent communication through texts and hotlines
- Multi-language family support
- Real-time dismissal tracking software
The goal was clear: create a transportation system rooted in control, reliability, and family-centered service
“Staff now have real-time visibility into where buses are, giving everyone transparency and the ability to meet each student and family’s needs”
Impact That Matters
The results have been both measurable and meaningful:
Routes streamlined from 15 to 13
Through co-routing with 4MATIV software, United now runs 13 efficient buses daily, serving more students with fewer resources.
Ridership increased by 71%
More students are riding the bus in 2025–26 compared to the previous year.
On-time performance increased
Went from 63% the previous year to 85% after just one month with the new system.
Beyond the numbers, the difference families and staff notice most is communication. Families receive timely text updates and can call a dedicated, multi-language hotline. Staff have real-time visibility into routes, giving them the ability to plan ahead and meet students’ needs. Most importantly, buses are arriving on time—preserving critical learning time and ensuring teachers can fully execute their lesson plans.
The wins are captured in unforgettable moments. On the very first day of the new transportation system, staff at United’s Dana Avenue campus shared a photo of all of the buses lined up—on time, ready to receive students. For the team, it was a moment of joy and relief, showing just how much had changed.
About United Schools
United is a K–8 charter school network serving approximately 1,000 students across four campuses in Columbus, Ohio. Guided by the mission “Transforming lives through the power of education” and the vision “For every child, an open door,” United works relentlessly to remove barriers to learning.
The school network serves students and families who have been most underserved by our social systems. Every decision is designed to ensure that each student receives the high-quality education and support they deserve. United prides itself on continual improvement and a commitment to go above and beyond for families.
Beyond the Bus: A Commitment to Students
United’s impact extends far beyond K–8. Alumni thrive, with 97% graduating high school in four years, far above urban averages. Graduates also receive ongoing support, from micro-grants to high school placement counseling, ensuring they continue to access opportunity-rich lives long after leaving United’s classrooms.
Looking Ahead
United Schools demonstrates what’s possible when schools take bold steps to remove barriers for families. With 4MATIV as a partner, United now has a transportation system that reflects its values, supports its staff, and most importantly—ensures students are where they belong: in the classroom, learning.