Education Records & Privacy (FERPA)

What it is

FERPA — the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act — is a federal law that gives you important rights over your child’s education records. In plain English: you can see them, ask to correct them, and the school generally needs your consent to share them. Here’s what those rights mean.

How it works

• The right to inspectYou can review your child’s education records — the school must provide access, usually within 45 days of a request.
• The right to request correctionsIf a record is inaccurate or misleading, you can ask the school to fix it (and have a hearing if they decline).
• The right to privacySchools generally need your written consent before sharing personally identifiable information — with some exceptions (e.g., school officials with a legitimate need, or transfers to another school).
• Directory informationSchools may share basic “directory” info (name, grade level, activities) unless you opt out — watch for the annual opt-out notice.
• Rights transferWhen a student turns 18 or enters college, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student.

Tips

• Read the annual FERPA noticeSchools send one — it explains your rights and the directory-info opt-out
• Opt out of directory info if you preferEspecially if you don’t want your child’s info shared
• Ask to see records anytimeYou have the right to inspect them
• Request corrections in writingIf something’s inaccurate
• Know the age-18 shiftRights move to your student

Frequently asked questions

• What is FERPA?A federal law protecting the privacy of, and your access to, your child’s education records.
• Can I see my child’s records?Yes — you have the right to inspect them (usually within 45 days of asking).
• Can the school share my child’s info?Generally only with your consent, though directory info can be shared unless you opt out.
• What is directory information?Basic info (name, grade, activities) the school may share unless you opt out.
• What happens at 18?FERPA rights transfer from you to your student (or when they enter college).

Key facts

• LawFERPA — a federal education-privacy law
• You canInspect & request to correct records
• PrivacyConsent needed to share most records
• Directory infoShareable unless you opt out
• At 18 / collegeRights transfer to the student

Where to learn more

Learn more and know your rights: