FERPA Policy
Summit College Preparatory School is committed to protecting the privacy of students' educational records and complying with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is a federal law that grants parents and eligible students (students aged 18 or older) specific rights regarding their educational records. These rights include the ability to inspect and review the student's records, request amendments to records they believe are inaccurate, and control the disclosure of certain information contained in these records.
Rights Under FERPA
Right to Inspect and Review Records
Parents and eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by Summit. The School will provide access to these records within 45 days of a request. Requests should be submitted to the school’s designated FERPA contact or administrator.
Right to Request Corrections
If a parent or eligible student believes that a student's education records contain information that is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the student's privacy rights, they have the right to request that Summit correct or amend the record. The school will either correct the records or inform the parent or eligible student of its decision.
Right to Consent to Disclosures
Generally, Summit will not disclose personally identifiable information from a student's education records without written consent from the parent or eligible student. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose information without consent in certain circumstances, such as:
• To school officials with a legitimate educational interest.
• To other schools to which a student is transferring.
• In response to a judicial order or subpoena.
• To accrediting organizations for educational purposes.
• In connection with financial aid.
Right to File a Complaint
Parents and eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe that Summit has failed to comply with FERPA's requirements. Complaints can be filed with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) within the U.S. Department of Education.
Directory Information
FERPA allows schools to disclose “directory information” without consent, unless the parent or eligible student has opted out. Summit College Preparatory School may disclose directory information such as the student’s name, address, telephone number, email address, date of birth, grade level, participation in school activities, and other similar information. However, parents or eligible students have the right to request that this information not be disclosed. Parents and students may opt out by contacting the school.
Educational Records
Under FERPA, "educational records" are defined as records that are directly related to a student and maintained by Summit College Preparatory School. This includes records such as:
• Transcripts
• Grades and academic performance
• Class lists
• Student schedules
• Health and disciplinary records
These records are kept confidential and are only accessible by authorized school personnel or third parties as specified under FERPA.
Disclosure Without Consent
FERPA allows Summit to disclose educational records without the student’s or parent's consent in the following cases:
• To other schools where the student intends to enroll or transfer.
• To school officials with a legitimate educational interest.
• To authorized representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General, U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Department of Education, and state and local educational authorities.
• In response to a court order or subpoena.
• For health and safety emergencies, if the information is necessary to protect the student or others.
Annual Notification
Summit College Preparatory School provides an annual notification to parents and eligible students regarding their FERPA rights. This notification includes a description of the rights under FERPA, how to exercise these rights, and how to file complaints.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or would like to exercise your FERPA rights, please contact:
FERPA Administrator
Email: admin@summithighschool.org
Phone: +1 (727) 339 7339
Address:
Summit College Preparatory School Inc.
7901 4th Street North, Suite 18025
St. Petersburg, FL 33702