FERNDALE, Mich. — Beginning August 27, University High School will launch GoKid, an innovative school carpooling platform designed to help students get to and from school by connecting families who can safely share rides.
The initiative proves Ferndale Public Schools' ongoing efforts to remove barriers that prevent students from attending school consistently. Transportation challenges remain among the leading non-academic factors contributing to student absenteeism, particularly for students without access to reliable transportation. Research has shown that reliable transportation can play a significant role in improving attendance, especially for economically disadvantaged students.
"At University High School, we know that students can't learn if they can't get to school," said Julie Patterson, principal of University High School. "Transportation should never stand in the way of a student's education. By introducing GoKid, we're creating another pathway for families to support one another while helping our students arrive at school consistently, safely, and ready to learn. This is about building community and removing barriers together."
GoKid is a secure platform that allows verified University High School families to coordinate carpools, helping ensure more students have dependable transportation while reducing the burden on individual families.
Across Michigan, approximately 28% of students were chronically absent during the 2024-25 school year, though attendance has steadily improved over the past three years. The Michigan Department of Education continues to identify transportation as one of several key barriers that districts are working to address to improve student attendance.
GoKid was created specifically to help schools address these challenges by providing families with a safe and organized way to coordinate rides. The platform has been adopted by schools across the country to reduce transportation gaps, lower absenteeism, and improve access to education.
"Every student deserves equitable access to a high-quality education, and that begins with making sure they can get to school each day," said Camille Hibbler, superintendent of Ferndale Public Schools. "Launching GoKid at University High School demonstrates our commitment to thinking creatively about the real-life challenges families face. When we remove barriers like transportation, we create more opportunities for students to be present, engaged, and successful."
The GoKid platform allows participating families to:
Connect with other verified University High School families.
Organize recurring or one-time carpools.
Reduce transportation challenges that can contribute to missed school days.
Strengthen connections among the school community.
The launch is one of several strategies Ferndale Public Schools is implementing to improve student engagement, increase attendance, and ensure every student has the support needed to succeed.
Families will receive additional information and instructions for registering with GoKid prior to the August 27 launch.
About Ferndale Public Schools
Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.
To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.