Students in Washington, D.C., are heading back to class Monday, and they'll see a number of changes.
This school year, students can board a Metro train for free. Mayor Muriel Bowser expanded the free Metrobus ride program to include the train.
Bowser hopes the move will help families save money. To get the free ride, all students have to do is scan their DC One Card at the fare gate. They can get those cards at school.
The city's high schools will also offer more Advanced Placement classes than ever.
For the first time this year, city high schools are required to offer at least six AP courses. While some school districts require students to take a qualifying test to enroll in AP classes, the courses in the District are open to all.
Students who fare well enough on AP exams can earn college credit.
Over the past five years, participation in AP classes by District students is up 52 percent. More than 2,700 students took at least one AP exam last year, up from 1,700 in 2010.
Monday is also the first day of schools for students in Anne Arundel, Frederick and Howard counties. See other back-to-school dates for public school students in the D.C. area here.
