Schools must keep records of certain types of student information. This article provides an overview of the information school records should include. It also shares information about who can see a student’s school records, and what to do when there is a dispute about the information included in the school records.

What is in my child’s school records?

Schools must keep certain information or records that have to do with your child’s education. The records should include the observations of your child’s teachers and other staff. They should show how much progress your child is making in school. They must also include information about things like your child’s attendance, classes, and grades. The school must also keep records about your child’s health. These records must be kept in a separate place.

Am I allowed to see my child’s school records?

You have the right to see your child’s school records. If you want to see the records, write a letter to your child’s principal asking to see them. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), special education, you should write to their special education case manager. Keep a copy of your letter. The law requires the school to give you access to the records within 10 days of your request. Sometimes schools do not follow this schedule and you may need to follow up with the school. The school cannot change anything in the records between the time you ask to see the records and when you see them.

If my child does not live with me, can I still see their school records?

Yes, you are still permitted to see your child's school records if you do not have physical custody of your child. However, you may not be permitted to see your child’s school records if:

• There is a court order that terminates your parental rights, or
• There is a court order that limits your custody rights.

Am I allowed to take notes or have a copy of my child’s school records?

You have the right to take notes while reading your child’s records. You also have the right to ask for a copy of the records. However, the district may charge a fee for making copies unless you are unable to pay the fee.

What if I do not understand what is in my child’s school records?

Sometimes, school records can be hard to read and understand. If you are having trouble, a school staff member should explain the records to you. The school must interpret the records for you if English is not your first language or you are hearing-impaired.

Can my child see their school records?

Children can see their school records without parental permission once they turn 18. Usually, children under 18 can only see their school records with parental permission. If your child is at least 16 years old and has graduated or stopped going to school, they will be able to see their records without your permission.

My child is 18. Can I still see their school records?

If your child is 18 or older, you need your child’s permission to see their records. If your child is 18 or older, still in school, and you financially support them, you may see their school records without their permission. If your child is 18 years old and you have legal guardianship over them, you also can see their records. An example of when a parent may have legal guardianship over a child who is 18 years or older is when a child has significant physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities.

Can the school district decide not to let me see my child’s school records?

A school district can only deny you access to your child’s records when there is a court order saying that you cannot see them. If there is a court order, the school must notify you within five days after you ask to see the records that they will not let you see them. You have the right to appeal the court order.

Am I allowed to add something to my child’s school records?

You have the right to add a statement to your child’s records. Your statement may explain what is already in the records to provide more detail or explain the information in the record if it is misleading. Your statement becomes part of your child’s school records. Anyone who sees the records will also see your statement.

If there is something in my child’s school records that I do not think should be there, what can I do?

If you think something in your child’s records is inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper, you have the right to ask the school principal to remove it from the records. If the principal refuses, you can write to the superintendent explaining your issue. The superintendent has 10 days to write you back saying whether they will change the records or not. If they do not agree to change the records, you can meet to discuss the issue with them. If the issue is not resolved, you can appeal to the district board of education or to the Commissioner of Education within 10 days. If you appeal to the board of education and lose, you can still appeal to the Commissioner. If you are unsuccessful with both, you can write a statement to be included in the school records explaining your disagreement. This statement will become part of your child’s school record.

Can people see my child’s school records while I am in the middle of asking for something to be removed?

You can request an immediate stay of disclosure pending resolution of your issue. A stay of disclosure means that nobody else is permitted to see the records. To get one, you have to write to the superintendent and describe the specific issue regarding your child’s records and why you want a stay. Then, if necessary, you can appeal the same way described in the previous paragraph.

Are my child’s school records private?

Yes, the information in your child’s school records should be kept private. Schools must make sure that only certain people and organizations have access to your child’s school records.

Can the school give my child’s school records to other people without my permission?

In most situations, your child’s school records cannot be released to another person without your consent (permission) in writing. School employees who provide educational services do not need to get your consent prior to seeing your child’s school records. In addition, there are certain individuals and agencies that may be allowed to see your child’s school records without your consent. Some examples include other school districts where a child is placed, registered or seeks to enroll, and child protective services (DCP&P (formerly DYFS)).

What happens to my child’s school records when they change school districts?

If your child changes school districts, the new school district must request your child’s school records from their old school district within two weeks of when they enrolled. Your child’s old school district does not need your consent to send the records, but it does have to send you written notice.

Call the LSNJLAW Hotline if you have questions

If you have any questions about the information in this article or think that your rights or your child’s have been violated, contact LSNJLAWSM, Legal Services of New Jersey’s statewide, toll-free legal Hotline, online at www.lsnjlawhotline.org or by calling 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529). If you are not eligible for assistance from Legal Services, the hotline will refer you to other possible resources.

This information last reviewed: Jul 30, 2026