Parents Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of students educational records. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible” students.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is FERPA?
- What rights do parents have under FERPA?
- When do FERPA rights transfer to the student?
- Can parents access their child's education records if the child is in college?
- What is directory information?
- Who else can access my child's education records?
- How can I request a copy of my child's education records?
What is FERPA?
What rights do parents have under FERPA?
When do FERPA rights transfer to the student?
Can parents access their child's education records if the child is in college?
What is directory information?
Who else can access my child's education records?
How can I request a copy of my child's education records?
For further information about FERPA, contact the Department’s Family Policy Compliance Office.
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-5920
202-260-3887
For quick, informal responses to routine questions about FERPA, parents may also email the Family Policy Compliance Office at FERPA.Customer@ED.Gov.