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Family Educational Rights and Privacy

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and the FERPA regulations are found at 34 CFR Part 99.

Understanding FERPA: Your Rights and Student Privacy

La Grande School District values the privacy and protection of student information. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that helps safeguard student education records and gives families specific rights regarding how those records are accessed and shared. The overview below explains what FERPA means and how it helps protect students and families.

What FERPA Does

FERPA helps ensure that student information is kept private and used appropriately. It also gives families a way to access records and request corrections when needed.

Your Rights Under FERPA

  1. Access to Education Records
    Parents and guardians have the right to review a student’s education records within a reasonable time after making a request (no later than 45 days). If visiting the school isn’t possible, schools can make other arrangements to provide access.
     
  2. Requesting a Correction
    If something in a student’s record seems incorrect or misleading, families can ask the school to make a correction. If the school denies the request, families have the right to a hearing and can add a written statement to the record to share their perspective.
     
  3. Control Over Personal Information
    Schools generally need written consent before sharing personally identifiable information (PII) from student records. FERPA allows limited exceptions, such as:
  • When shared with school officials who have a legitimate educational need
  • When a student transfers to another school
  • In health or safety emergencies
  • When required by law
  • For “directory information” (like a student’s name, grade level, or activities) — unless families choose to opt out
     

About Directory Information

“Directory information” is basic student information that is not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if shared publicly. Examples include:

  • Student name
  • Grade level
  • School activities or sports
  • Honors and awards

Each year, schools notify families about what counts as directory information and how to opt out if they prefer it not be shared.

When Students Turn 18

When a student turns 18 or enters college, FERPA rights transfer to the student. However, schools may still share information with parents if the student is claimed as a dependent for tax purposes.

Annual FERPA Notification

Questions or Concerns

If you believe your FERPA rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the:
Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of EducationFile a Complaint

Learn More

Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy website for more information: