FERPA Compliance Services for Schools
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects student education records at all institutions receiving U.S. Department of Education funding. Petronella Technology Group helps schools, universities, and EdTech vendors implement the technical controls that satisfy FERPA requirements.
What FERPA Protects
FERPA grants parents and eligible students three core rights over education records at institutions receiving federal funding.
Right to inspect and review education records within 45 days
Right to request amendment of inaccurate or misleading records
Right to consent before disclosure of personally identifiable information
FERPA and Technology
Student data flows through dozens of digital systems. Petronella helps manage privacy across the EdTech ecosystem.
EdTech Vendor Agreements
Data Privacy Agreements ensuring vendors meet the "school official" exception and use records only for specified purposes.
AI Tool Compliance
FERPA-compliant deployment of AI tutoring, predictive analytics, and proctoring tools with proper data use restrictions.
Cloud Data Security
Encryption, access controls, and audit logging for student data in cloud platforms and learning management systems.
NIST-Based Controls
NIST SP 800-53 controls provide the "reasonable methods" FERPA requires for restricting access to education records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for FERPA violations?
The ultimate penalty is complete loss of federal funding. The Department of Education's Student Privacy Policy Office investigates complaints and can require corrective action or initiate funding withdrawal proceedings.
Does FERPA apply to private schools?
Only if they receive federal funding. In practice, virtually every college/university that accepts federal financial aid (Pell Grants, Stafford Loans) is covered. Private K-12 schools with federal lunch programs or Title I funds are also covered.
How does FERPA relate to HIPAA?
Medical records maintained by a school are education records under FERPA, not HIPAA. However, records maintained by an outside healthcare provider are subject to HIPAA. Petronella helps institutions navigate this overlap.
What is directory information?
Name, address, phone, dates of attendance, degrees, and honors. Institutions may disclose directory information without consent if they provide public notice and a reasonable opt-out period.
Can AI tools process student data under FERPA?
Yes, if the AI vendor is designated as a "school official" and the contract limits data use to the educational purpose. The vendor cannot use student data to train general-purpose models or build advertising profiles.
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Protect Student Privacy
Petronella helps educational institutions and EdTech vendors implement FERPA-compliant security controls and vendor management programs.