Access to Student Records
Argyle ISD is committed to protecting the privacy of student information while ensuring parents and authorized school officials have appropriate access when needed. Student records are stored securely, kept confidential, and only shared in accordance with state and federal law.
What’s in a Student Record?
A student’s cumulative record follows them from enrollment through graduation or withdrawal. Records may include:
-
Enrollment and family information
-
Grades, test scores, and teacher evaluations
-
Attendance and health records (immunizations, screenings, etc.)
-
Special program participation (special education, extracurricular activities, etc.)
-
Behavior reports and parent/school correspondence
-
Transcripts and records from other schools
Who Can Access Records?
-
Parents/Guardians – You may review your child’s records in person at the school during regular hours with a written request. Copies are available for a small fee, unless your family qualifies for free/reduced-price lunch.
-
Students 18+ or Enrolled in College – You may continue to access your own records under certain conditions.
-
School Officials – Teachers, counselors, administrators, and others with a legitimate educational need may access records. Contractors and service providers are held to the same confidentiality standards.
Requesting Records
-
In Person – Submit a written request to your school’s principal (the custodian of records).
-
Copies – Available upon request; fees may apply.
-
Transfers – Records are forwarded promptly to other schools when students enroll elsewhere.
Special Education Records
The Director of Special Education is responsible for the confidentiality of records for students receiving special education services.
Directory Information
Certain student information (such as name, grade level, participation in sports/activities, awards, etc.) may be released as “directory information” unless parents opt out.
Disclosure of Student Records
With Consent
Parents or eligible students must provide signed, written consent before the district can release personally identifiable information from a student’s records. The consent must specify what records may be shared, the purpose of the disclosure, and who will receive the information. Upon request, parents or eligible students may receive a copy of the records disclosed.
Without Consent
Certain exceptions under federal and state law allow the district to share student information without written consent. Examples include:
-
School officials (teachers, administrators, contractors, or volunteers) with a legitimate educational interest.
-
Other schools where the student is enrolling or transferring.
-
Government representatives for audits, evaluations, or compliance with education programs.
-
Financial aid personnel processing student aid.
-
Juvenile justice officials or child welfare agencies as allowed by law.
-
Organizations conducting educational studies (with safeguards for privacy).
-
Accrediting organizations performing their functions.
-
Health and safety emergencies when information is needed to protect individuals.
-
USDA representatives for school nutrition program reviews.
-
Directory information (such as name, grade level, or participation in activities) if parents have not opted out after public notice.
Parents always have the right to access their child’s records unless a legal order limits that access, and once a student turns 18 or enters postsecondary education, those rights transfer to the student.