I grew up in a small community and we'd walk or bike to school

[question everything]

At least, to elementary. While in the morning I, at least, would rush to be on time, after school we would walk leisurely, the kids from the same neighborhood. Even the ones who would bike would walk the bikes to chat. This was an important part of our childhood.

Thus, in the 70s when I first heard about busing I could not, still cannot imagine missing this precious part of childhood.

Even now, when I see the high school neighbors sharing the same bus, I can see them chatting after they descend before going home.

Now, of course, parents drive the kids to elementary school which is within a walking distance. Another story.

[George II]

1. That was the biggest reason people were against busing, both black AND white....

They were afraid that children would lose familiarity with their neighborhood.

BTW, my neighbor lives about 600 feet from the middle school, only one street needs to be crossed. Her child takes the school bus!!!

[treestar]

2. It seems like there is a lot more driving now

by parents. It's crazy. There are long lines of cars outside the elementary schools. They have rules for how to drive in to pick up the kids. I recall the controversy about parents driving kids to school still in their pajamas (the parents).

I was lucky - we walked to all the schools, even high school. Some high school kids get to drive, too. Then there are charter schools and some places have "choice" where you can decide to go out of the district.

The parent having to drive to a different school might be the biggest difference.

[Mr.Bill]

3. I went to a parochial school until sixth grade.

All my friends in the neighborhood went to the same public school. When I switched to public school in the seventh grade, it did make a big difference in my social life. However, the parochial school exposed me to a social life with kids from a much larger radius, and that was good, too. I'm glad I got to experience both situations.