ride the short bus

present singular third person rides the short bus · participle present riding the short bus · past rode the short bus · participle past ridden the short bus

1. USderogatoryidiomaticslangeducationTo participate in a special education program, such as for those with learning disabilities.
2. USderogatoryidiomaticslangeducationTo require a special education program, as though one were learning-disabled.

   Admittedly, I'm no Rhodes Scholar, but I didn't ride the short bus to school either, […]

   2011, Anthony Q. Artis, The Shut Up and Shoot: Freelance Video Guide

   5 more examples

   […] complete with golden shag carpet on the floor and Christian rock posters on the wall for the poor kids forced to ride the short bus of Christian culture […]

   2006, Mark Driscoll, Confessions of a Reformission Rev

   "Have you been riding the short bus, or something? You know what Us Weekly said about her."

   2009, Micol Ostow, GoldenGirl

   “You think because I make my living putting balls through hoops, I rode the short bus to school?”

   2014, T. E. Woods, The Red Hot Fix: A Justice Novel

   I accidentally called him Chris, and he turned red and yelled, "My name is Christopher" Okay, now I was thinking he rode the short bus. As quick as he erupted, he relaxed and told me how much he loves his nanna and his kitty, Buttons. I ended the date early and said goodnight and went home.

   2014, Greg Figueroa, Emily Feliciano, Worst Dates: best of the rest, page 4

   Is there any place on earth that has as many elected officials who rode the short bus to school as Lackawanna County?

   2016 October 21, “Flynn, Burgerhoff square off in 113th district debate”, in Scranton Times-Tribune