Effective Date: September 2024
At Athenian Schools, we believe that protecting our students’ data privacy is just as critical as protecting their physical safety. In light of increasing digital threats across the educational landscape, we have reinforced our backend security systems to ensure your family’s records remain confidential, locked, and completely secure.
Consistent with our commitment to transparency, this page outlines your rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)—a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
1. Your Rights Under FERPA
FERPA grants parents and students who have reached 18 years of age (“eligible students”) specific rights regarding school education records. These rights include:
- The Right to Inspect and Review: You have the right to look over your child’s education records within 45 days of the day Athenian Schools receives a written request for access.
- The Right to Seek Amendment: If you believe information in your child’s record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates their privacy rights, you have the right to request a correction.
- The Right to Consent to Disclosure: School records will not be shared with outside parties without your written consent, except in specific instances authorized by FERPA (such as sharing data with school officials with legitimate educational interests).
- The Right to File a Complaint: You have the right to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if you feel Athenian Schools has failed to comply with FERPA requirements.
2. What is "Directory Information"?
FERPA allows schools to disclose appropriately designated “Directory Information” without written consent, unless you have advised us otherwise. This is basic information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released.
At Athenian Schools, directory information is used strictly to celebrate student achievement and facilitate school community functions (e.g., yearbooks, honor rolls, graduation programs, or sports rosters). It includes:
- Student’s name, address, and telephone listing
- Electronic mail address
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Photograph/Image (for school-sanctioned publications)
- Degrees, honors, and awards received
🔒 Your Choice to Opt-Out: You have the right to restrict the release of Directory Information. If you do not want Athenian Schools to disclose this information without your prior written consent, please submit a written Directory Opt-Out Request to the administration office before the first week of the school year.
3. Our Proactive Data Protection Stand
We recognize that parents are increasingly worried about online platforms and data breaches in education. Athenian Schools does not operate as a fully online academy; our Blended Education model prioritizes intentional, offline, handwritten progress tracking alongside secure digital tools.
Furthermore, our dedicated security team continuously monitors and upgrades our systems to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring that compliance with FERPA is backed by robust, modern cyber defenses.
How to Submit a Request or Contact Us
If you would like to review your student’s records, request a correction, or ask questions about our data handling policies, please reach out to our administration office:
- FERPA Coordinator: Tammie Bankhead
- Email: tammiebankhead@aea.rocks
- Phone: +1 385-715-5400
- In-Person/Mail: Athenian Schools Administration Office
Address: 765 E 340 S UNIT 203, American Fork, UT 84003, United States