The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records, such as report cards, transcripts, disciplinary records and class schedules. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's educational records, but once a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a school beyond the high school level, he or she becomes an “eligible student,” and all rights formerly given to parents under FERPA transfer to the student.

Resources

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act - Brochure
FERPA Frequently Asked Questions
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Student Privacy 101: US Department of Education