This week, national media brand Inc. revealed the 2025 Inc. 5000, its annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Companies are ranked by percentage revenue growth from 2021 to 2024.

Congrats to the four student transportation companies that made the list in the following spots:

• HopSkipDrive: Spot 667

• BusPatrol: Spot 1,122

• Transfinder: Spot 4,244

• First Student: Spot 4,584

First Student Reacts

The largest school bus contractor First Student was ranked 4,584 on the overall 2025 Inc. 5000 list. This marks First Student's debut on the list, an indicator of the company's explosive growth, unmatched scale, and leadership in an essential industry.

"Our inclusion on the Inc. 5000 list is more than an honor; it's a testament to the incredible momentum we've built as the industry's leading transportation provider," said John Kenning, CEO at First Student. "Our mission is to provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school, helping students arrive ready to achieve their full potential. At the core of that mission is a relentless commitment to innovation, with continuous investment in technology that enhances safety, improves the student experience, and redefines what school transportation can be. Our growth reflects the trust of our customers, the dedication of our team, and a bold vision for the future of student mobility."

First Student serves more than 20,000 schools across North America, operating a fleet of over 46,000 vehicles, including electric and alternative fuel models. In the 2025–2026 school year alone, First Student will complete more than 1 billion student rides.

HopSkipDrive Reacts

HopSkipDrive was named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, ranking #667 overall and #17 in the education category. This is HopSkipDrive’s fourth year on the Inc. 5000 list, placing among the top 13% of fastest-growing private companies nationwide this year.

“This ranking is a testament to the tireless work of our team and the trust of our school district partners,” said Joanna McFarland, co-founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive. “We’re proud to be building technology-driven solutions that help school districts overcome transportation challenges, while ensuring that all students — especially those most vulnerable — have access to the education they deserve.”

Founded in 2014, HopSkipDrive has facilitated over 5 million rides across 95 million miles, serving more than 10,000 schools in 17 states through partnerships with over 600 school districts.

Transfinder Reacts

Transfinder, which ranked on the overall list at 4,244, makes the list again.

“It is an honor once again to make Inc. magazine’s Fastest Growing Private Companies List, now for the 13th time," said Transfinder President & CEO Antonio Civitella. "It serves to confirm that we are on the right course as we serve our clients. Transfinder is committed to continually innovate and enhance our solutions to better serve the more than 2,500 districts and bus contractors who rely on us, our solutions, and our service. The focus is always on the client and the schoolchildren and their safety.”

About the Inc. 5000 & Winners

"The Inc. 5000 is one of the most important things we publish each year – a real-time bellwether of American business," says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. "At a moment when entrepreneurs are navigating economic uncertainty, labor shifts, and inflation, this list is powerful proof of innovation and resilience. We're deeply grateful to the thousands of companies that trust us with their growth data to make this list possible."

This year's Inc. 5000 honorees combined generated over $300 billion in 2024 revenue, added 536,086 jobs in the past three years, and posted over $177 billion in growth since 2021, highlighting the powerful role of small businesses in driving the U.S. economy, Inc. said in its announcement.

For complete results, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, visit www.inc.com/inc5000.