• First Day of School: August 31, 2023
    Hours:     7:30 a.m. - 2:25 p.m.

    Why are CSAT's hours changing?
    As many of you are aware, a bus driver shortage has caused issues for school districts across the nation. It is no different in Western New York, specifically in Buffalo, where bus routes and bus stops have been consolidated due to the driver shortage. This has resulted in late buses and longer time on the bus for our youngest students. To ease the strain on transportation, the Buffalo Board of Education approved a three-bell schedule to be introduced this fall in all Buffalo schools. The addition of a third bell time will allow bus drivers to complete two runs in the mornings and afternoons, allowing transportation of more students with the same number of drivers. Because Buffalo transports most of our students, the change has necessitated a change in the start and end times for all CSAT students.

    This change is meant to ensure students are transported to and from school each day in a timely and safe manner and will reduce the time students spend in transit. 

    I work until 5 p.m. Is there an after-school care option for my elementary students?

    CSAT continues to explore options for after-school care for families. At this time, the Boys & Girls Club of the Northtowns has opened additional spots for their Town Club House operating at 54 Riverdale Avenue, Buffalo, 14207. Click here for more information and how to register. 

    Can I still drop my child off at school, and/or pick them up at the end of the day?

    Yes, you still have the option to drive your child to and from school. However, it is our hope that reduced transit and wait times will eliminate the need for you to drop off/pick up your child from school.

    What time will my child be picked up and dropped off each day?

    Bus information will be mailed to your address on file in mid-to-late August. This information will include your bus number and estimated pick up and drop off times. Please be advised that the numbers are estimates; delays can be anticipated in the first few days until drivers are more familiar with routes.

    I don’t live in Buffalo. Why is my child’s arrival and dismissal time changing?

    As many of you know, busing is provided by your home school district. Because most of our students reside in Buffalo, their busing is provided through our contract with Buffalo Public Schools. This change to our start/end time allows us to maintain continuity of scheduling for all students. Outside Districts providing transportation, including Ken-Ton, Sweet Home, Tonawanda and others, have indicated they are able to shift pickup and drop off times to meet the needs of our students.

    Is the length of the school year affected?

    No, the length of the school year remains the same.

    What if my child is late?

    We understand that situations arise where students may arrive late to school. However, it is critically important that families do their very best to ensure that students are at their bus stop on time each morning. Students who are frequently tardy have lower averages, lower scores on standardized assessments, and lower graduation rates. Chronic tardiness in elementary and middle school is also linked to failure in high school.