FERPA – Know Your Rights as a Parent
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law that protects your child’s educational records—and your right to access them. If you’re a parent of a public school student (or any student in a federally funded school), these rights are YOURS.
Unfortunately, many schools ignore or violate FERPA, especially when they feel threatened by parental involvement. But the law is on your side.
What FERPA Guarantees You
1. The Right to Inspect & Review Records
-
You have the right to see any education record related to your child—grades, disciplinary reports, mental health notes, special education documentation, emails mentioning your child, and more.
-
The school must allow you to inspect these records within 45 days of receiving your written request.
-
This includes both paper and digital records (emails, case notes, portals).
2. The Right to Request Corrections
-
If anything in the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates privacy, you can request a correction or removal.
-
The school can say no—but you then have the right to a formal hearing and to place a written statement in your child’s file permanently.
3. The Right to Control Disclosure
-
The school cannot share your child’s information with others—including law enforcement, other parents, or outside agencies—without your written consent, except in narrowly defined emergency or legal cases.
-
“Directory information” (name, grade, honors, yearbook photos, etc.) can be shared, BUT:
4. The Right to File a Federal Complaint
-
If the school violates any of these rights, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO).
-
There is no lawyer required, and you do not need to prove damages—only that your rights were denied.
Your FERPA Action Toolkit
Step-by-Step: Requesting Your Child’s Records
-
Submit a FERPA request letter (see template below)
-
Email or deliver it to the school principal or records office
-
Keep a copy and note the delivery date
-
Wait 45 calendar days (max)
-
If denied or delayed—document it and escalate
Download Sample FERPA Request Letter (PDF) (Let me know if you’d like a custom one)
Common Violations to Watch For
-
Refusing to show discipline or mental health records
-
Sharing your child’s info with police, other parents, or media
-
Altering records after a parent complaint
-
Denying access to IEP, 504, or behavioral evaluations
-
Failing to notify you of your right to opt out of directory info
If you’ve experienced any of these, you likely have a valid complaint.
How to File a FERPA Complaint
File directly with the U.S. Department of Education (no lawyer needed):
You can also include:
-
Screenshots or written denials
-
Email threads
-
Copies of your FERPA request letter and delivery date
-
Descriptions of retaliation, if any
Parent FAQs
Q: Can I see emails where my child is mentioned?
A: Yes—emails maintained by the school that identify your child are part of the record.
Q: Can the school block me from seeing discipline or mental health info?
A: No. These are covered by FERPA unless protected by another law (e.g., HIPAA under specific circumstances).
Q: What if I’m divorced? Do I still have rights?
A: Yes—both parents have full FERPA rights unless a court order says otherwise.
Q: Do private schools have to follow FERPA?
A: Only if they receive federal funds. Many don’t. Charter and public schools do.
Helpful Links
Local Trends We’re Tracking in Palm Beach County
-
Administrators releasing student info to police without consent
-
Parents being trespassed after requesting records
-
Mental health records hidden from noncustodial parents
-
Retaliation against parents for requesting access or filing complaints
If this has happened to you—please contact us. You’re not alone. And you’re not powerless.
