How do I request my child's school records?

Put the request in writing to the principal and identify the records you want to inspect: incident reports, investigation records, and related communications.

How long does the school have to respond?

FERPA requires access within a reasonable time and no later than 45 days after the request. Some states require faster access.

FERPA: requesting your child's school records

FERPA gives you the right to see your child's school records — including the incident and investigation files. Here's how to ask.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that gives parents the right to inspect and review their child's education records. That can include the school's own incident reports and the records it created while investigating — which is how you get the school's paper trail, in its own words.

How to request

1
Put it in writing to the principal
Identify the records you want to inspect (incident reports, investigation records, related communications).
2
The school must respond promptly
FERPA requires access within a reasonable time and no more than 45 days after the request. Some states require faster access.
3
Review and take notes
You can review the records and keep your own notes; ask about copies.
4
Ask to amend if needed
If you believe a record is inaccurate, FERPA lets you ask the school to amend it.

A simple written request

“Under FERPA, I request to inspect and review my child [name]'s education records, including any incident reports, investigation records, and communications related to the bullying I reported on [dates]. Please let me know when and where I can review them.”

Important

Records that are solely about other students may be redacted or withheld, and the precise scope of “education records” can vary. When a record matters, confirm specifics with the school or the cited source.

Authoritative sources

Frequently asked questions

What is FERPA?: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law that gives parents the right to inspect and review their child's education records, which can include the school's own incident and investigation files.
How do I request my child's school records?: Put the request in writing to the principal and identify the records you want to inspect: incident reports, investigation records, and related communications.
How long does the school have to respond?: FERPA requires access within a reasonable time and no later than 45 days after the request. Some states require faster access.

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General information — not legal advice

This guide is general information to help you get organized, not legal or mental-health advice, and it doesn't guarantee any outcome. Laws and school policies vary and change. For your specific situation, consult a licensed professional or your state's education agency. In an emergency call 911; for a mental-health crisis call or text 988.

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