My DH never rode a school bus. I only rode a school bus during high school and had the worst experience (kids smoking, bus driver like Otto from the Simpsons). So, when it came time for first DD to ride the bus, we decided to keep her in a private school for Kindergarten so we could driver her to and from school. We switched her to public school for first grade where she started riding the bus. How lucky for us that we have the best bus driver in the district! She really takes care of the kids, knows them all by name, has assigned seats, doesn't tolerate talking, etc. When DS started school for Pre-K, we had no qualms in letting him ride the bus. It's been an outstanding experience for us. I wouldn't dream of driving my kids to school. And, like CJ, I can't stand when parents drive their kids to school. I see one family drive by every morning on their way to taking the kids to school when we are waiting for the bus, and I think to myself - what a waste of time and gas. Not to mention the irritation it causes the school at drop off.