About

Since 2015, S.T.A.R.T. Institute has been an industry leader in active-threat preparedness for school transportation, providing training nationwide to school bus drivers and other transportation team members. Our program focuses on recognizing active threats on or around the school bus and developing practical response options through realistic, hands-on, scenario-based training. Participants receive instruction in threat recognition, situational awareness, crisis response, de-escalation, emergency decision-making, and actions that may be necessary when immediate help is not yet available. Training is delivered by experienced active-duty and retired local, state, and federal law enforcement professionals, including SWAT personnel, crisis-response specialists, and de-escalation experts who bring real-world operational experience into the training environment. Because the school bus driver may be the only responsible adult present when a violent incident begins, S.T.A.R.T. prepares drivers to recognize danger early, make critical decisions under pressure, and take appropriate action to protect the students entrusted to their care.