Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law enacted in 1974 to safeguard the privacy of student education records. FERPA grants specific rights to parents and eligible students (those 18 years of age or older) regarding access to and control over their educational information.
Key provisions of FERPA include:
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Access to Records: Parents and eligible students have the right to review and inspect education records maintained by the school within 45 days of submitting a request. These records include grades, test scores, disciplinary records, and other documents directly related to the student.
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Request for Amendments: If parents or eligible students believe that the information in the records is inaccurate, misleading, or violates privacy rights, they have the right to request an amendment. If the school declines the request, the individual may request a formal hearing.
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Consent to Disclosure: FERPA generally requires schools to obtain written consent from parents or eligible students before releasing personally identifiable information (PII) from education records. However, certain exceptions allow disclosure without consent, such as sharing information with school officials with legitimate educational interests, in response to subpoenas, or during emergencies to protect health and safety.
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Directory Information: Schools may designate certain information, such as a student’s name, address, and phone number, as "directory information," which can be disclosed without consent unless parents or eligible students opt out.
At Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, the privacy and security of student records are a top priority. The school adheres to FERPA regulations to ensure all educational records are handled responsibly and confidentially.
For a detailed explanation of these rights and the use of directory information, please review our document: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - Annual Notification of Rights and Notice for Directory Information. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Technology Office.