The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and “eligible students” (students who are 18 years of age or older, or attending a postsecondary institution) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. Bridlewood Academy provides this notice annually.
Your Rights Under FERPA
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit a written request to the principal (or records custodian) identifying the records they wish to inspect.
- The right to request amendment of education records the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. Requests must be in writing and identify the part of the record to be changed and why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student will be notified of their right to a hearing.
- The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception permits disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests — a person employed by or serving the school (including contractors, volunteers, and board members) who needs to review an education record to fulfill their professional responsibility. Upon request, the school also discloses records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with FERPA. The office that administers FERPA is: Student Privacy Policy Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-8520.
Directory Information
FERPA permits the school to disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless a parent or eligible student has opted out. Directory information is information that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. Bridlewood Academy has designated the following as directory information:
- Student’s name
- Grade level
- Dates of attendance and enrollment status
- Participation in officially recognized activities, clubs, and sports
- Photographs, video, and other images of the student (for use in school publications, the school website, social media, newsletters, and approved press or media coverage)
- Awards, honors, and recognitions received
- The most recent school or educational program the student attended
Parents or eligible students who do not want Bridlewood Academy to disclose directory information must notify the school in writing by August 1st of each year.
Questions may be directed to:
Principal Michael Manning · 1543 Malvern Hill Drive, Camden, SC 29020 · 803.572.4150 · mmanning@bridlewoodacademy.net