Generally transportation is offered to Magnet/ Selective Enrollment Elementary and Special Needs children. Perhaps the child falls into the latter category as well? My child's school is on the Northside and CPS transports as far south as Hyde Park.

The 1.5 - 6 mile rule is for magnet schools only. Each SE Elem school has their own boundaries, which you can find on the website. As to Academic Centers its provided Citywide but they provide centralized 'stops' and assign you to one closest to your house. We live in West Rogers Park (thus the screenname ) and my daughter was accepted to Kenwood. She was offered bussing at the most northern stop, which was Galewood, so not doable at all.

Transportation has always been a controversial topic. Some see it as a huge drain on funds. Others see it as an entitlement. CPS website says no ride will be over an hour but apparently the official rule about that was abolished. Bus routes this have been irrational, unpredictable, and close to 2 hours each way. At my youngest's school things are finally getting manageable but that has been after a month of parents working closely with Department of Transportation to streamline the routes. I wouldn't say there is something shady going on- I think the issue is more of competency.