The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows public schools to release directory information to almost anyone. While there isn’t a standard definition of directory information that all schools follow, it can include your child's
- name
- address
- phone number
- photograph
- date and place of birth
- weight and height (if members of athletic teams)
- degrees, honors and awards
- most recently attended educational agency or institution
FERPA also requires schools to provide you with the opportunity to opt out of this release of your child’s information. A school will often supply you with a form, but some may post the form on their website or include it in an annual notification of FERPA rights (there might be a short deadline to opt out at the beginning of the school year). If you’re having difficulty finding it, you can ask school officials where to find the Directory Information Disclosure Opt-Out Form.
