Privacy and Student Records (FERPA Compliance)
The privacy of student education records is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This federal law guarantees parents (and students age 18 and older) the right to:
Review and inspect education records.
Request corrections to records they believe are inaccurate.
Limit disclosure of personally identifiable information.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. Virtus Academy defines directory information as student name, grade level, awards received, and participation in activities. This information may be released unless parents notify the school in writing to opt-out of directory information sharing.
Records may be shared without consent with certain authorized agencies as allowed by FERPA (for example: other schools, authorized state and federal agencies, and law enforcement where permitted by law).
If you would like to inspect your child’s records, request an amendment, or opt-out of directory information sharing, please contact the front office.
