PRIVACY POLICY

1. OVERVIEW AND COMMITMENT TO PRIVACY

Skhillz Academy is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected from students, parents, guardians, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in compliance with applicable federal and state privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and other relevant privacy regulations.

We understand that families entrust us with sensitive personal and educational information when enrolling in our virtual K-12 education and tutoring services. This policy provides transparent information about our privacy practices and your rights regarding personal information, helping you make informed decisions about sharing information with our educational institution.

Contact Information:

Skhillz Academy

1317 Edgewater Drive, Suite 458

Orlando, Florida 32804

Phone: (888) 429-5094

Email: [email protected]

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Student Educational Information

We collect comprehensive educational information necessary to provide effective virtual learning services, including:

• Academic records and transcripts from previous schools, including grades, course history, standardized test scores, and any academic achievements or awards that help us understand student educational background and appropriate placement levels

• Assessment results and educational evaluations conducted by our staff or provided by families, including placement tests, diagnostic assessments, learning style evaluations, and any psychological or educational testing that informs instructional planning

• Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans for students with documented disabilities, including specific accommodation requirements, service provider recommendations, and progress monitoring data necessary to provide appropriate educational support

• Daily attendance records tracking student participation in virtual classes, assignment completion rates, and engagement levels in online educational activities to monitor academic progress and ensure compliance with compulsory education requirements

• Academic work and assignments including homework submissions, test responses, creative projects, and other educational materials created by students during their enrollment to assess learning progress and provide feedback

2.2 Personal and Family Information

To provide comprehensive educational services and maintain effective communication, we collect:

• Student identifying information including full legal name, date of birth, grade level, home address, emergency contact information, and any preferred names or pronouns that help us address students appropriately and respectfully

• Parent and guardian information including names, relationship to student, home and work phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses, and emergency contact details necessary for ongoing communication about educational progress and school-related matters

• Family demographic information such as household size, primary language spoken at home, socioeconomic indicators that may qualify families for financial assistance, and cultural background information that helps us provide culturally responsive education

• Medical and health information relevant to educational planning, including known allergies, medications that might affect learning, chronic health conditions requiring accommodation, and mental health considerations that impact educational services

• Financial information necessary for tuition processing and financial aid determination, including payment method details, household income verification for scholarship programs, and billing address information for accounting purposes

2.3 Technology and Platform Usage Data

Our virtual learning environment automatically collects certain technical information to ensure platform functionality and educational effectiveness:

• Login and session data including timestamps of when students access learning platforms, duration of online sessions, frequency of platform use, and patterns of engagement with different educational tools and resources

• Learning platform interactions such as which courses and materials students access, time spent on various educational activities, quiz and assignment completion rates, and navigation patterns through our online curriculum

• Communication records including emails between families and school staff, participation in virtual classroom discussions, chat messages during live sessions, and any other electronic communications related to educational services

• Device and browser information such as operating system type, browser version, internet service provider, IP address location (general geographic area only), and technical specifications that help us optimize platform performance for different users

• Video and audio recordings of virtual classes when conducted for educational quality assurance, staff training, or make-up session purposes, with appropriate notice and consent from participating families

2.4 Website and Marketing Information

For individuals visiting our website or expressing interest in our educational services, we may collect:

• Website usage analytics including pages visited, time spent on different sections, links clicked, search terms used on our site, and referring websites that brought visitors to our platform

• Marketing and outreach data such as email addresses provided for newsletters, contact forms submitted for information requests, attendance at virtual information sessions, and responses to surveys about educational interests and needs

• Cookie and tracking technology data used to improve website functionality, remember user preferences, analyze site traffic patterns, and provide personalized content experiences for returning visitors

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

3.1 Educational Service Delivery

Personal information is primarily used to provide high-quality virtual education services including:

• Individualized instruction planning where we analyze student academic history, learning preferences, and assessment results to create customized learning plans that address individual strengths, challenges, and educational goals

• Academic progress monitoring through regular review of assignment completion, test performance, attendance patterns, and engagement levels to ensure students are making appropriate educational progress and to identify areas needing additional support

• Communication with families about student academic performance, behavioral concerns, upcoming assignments and projects, school events, and any changes to educational plans or services that affect the student's learning experience

• Accommodation and support services for students with special needs, including implementation of IEP goals, provision of assistive technology, modification of assignments and assessments, and coordination with external service providers when appropriate

• Transcript and record maintenance ensuring accurate, comprehensive academic records that will support future educational opportunities including high school graduation, college applications, scholarship programs, and employment verification

3.2 Administrative and Operational Purposes

We use collected information for essential school operations including:

• Enrollment and registration processing to verify student eligibility, confirm family information, process tuition payments, and establish student accounts in our learning management systems

• Compliance with education laws including mandatory reporting obligations, state education department requirements, attendance tracking for compulsory education compliance, and maintenance of records according to federal and state retention schedules

• Quality assurance and program improvement through analysis of student outcomes, family satisfaction surveys, curriculum effectiveness evaluation, and staff performance assessment to continuously enhance our educational services

• Technology platform optimization using usage data to improve system performance, identify and resolve technical issues, enhance user experience, and ensure our learning platforms meet the diverse needs of students and families

• Financial administration including tuition billing, payment processing, financial aid determination, scholarship program management, and maintaining accurate financial records for accounting and tax purposes

3.3 Safety and Security

Personal information helps us maintain a safe learning environment through:

• Student safety monitoring including observation of online behavior during virtual classes, identification of concerning communications or interactions, and prompt response to any safety threats or emergency situations

• Cybersecurity protection using login monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, implementing data encryption and secure storage systems, and maintaining security protocols that protect sensitive student and family information from cyber threats

• Emergency response coordination maintaining current contact information for rapid communication during emergencies, coordinating with local authorities when required by mandatory reporting laws, and ensuring continuity of educational services during crisis situations

• Platform security maintenance through regular monitoring of user activity to prevent inappropriate access, detection of potential security breaches, and implementation of protective measures that safeguard the virtual learning environment

4. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

4.1 Limited Educational Sharing

We may share student information only in specific circumstances required for educational purposes:

• Third-party educational service providers such as curriculum publishers, educational software companies, assessment services, and technology platform vendors who provide essential educational tools and resources, but only under strict data protection agreements that require the same level of privacy protection we provide

• Accreditation and oversight agencies including state education departments, accrediting organizations, and federal education agencies when required for compliance monitoring, quality assurance reviews, or investigation of educational practices

• Educational consultants and specialists such as special education professionals, curriculum experts, technology specialists, and mental health professionals who provide services that directly benefit students, with appropriate written agreements protecting student privacy

• Transfer institutions when students move to other schools, including public and private schools, colleges, and universities, but only with proper verification of the receiving institution's legitimacy and appropriate consent from families

4.2 Legal and Safety Disclosures

We are required to share information in certain legal circumstances:

• Mandatory reporting obligations under Florida law requiring disclosure to child protective services, law enforcement, or other authorities when school staff observe signs of abuse, neglect, or other situations that pose immediate danger to student safety

• Legal compliance requirements including responses to valid court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes, disclosure to law enforcement for investigation of criminal activity, and cooperation with regulatory investigations related to education law compliance

• Emergency situations where immediate disclosure is necessary to protect student safety, prevent serious harm to individuals, or respond to urgent medical emergencies that require coordination with healthcare providers or emergency responders

• Audit and oversight activities by government agencies, accrediting bodies, or other organizations with legitimate educational oversight authority, but only to the extent required by law and with appropriate protections for sensitive information

4.3 Parent and Student Directed Sharing

With appropriate authorization, we may share information as requested by families:

• College and scholarship applications providing transcripts, recommendation letters, and academic records to support student applications for higher education opportunities, scholarship programs, or other educational opportunities

• Medical and therapeutic providers sharing relevant educational information with healthcare professionals, therapists, or other service providers working with students when families provide written consent for such coordination

• Family-authorized third parties such as educational advocates, tutors, mentors, or other professionals working with families to support student success, but only with specific written authorization detailing what information may be shared

• Student portfolio and achievement sharing for recognition programs, educational competitions, college applications, or other opportunities that benefit students, always with appropriate family consent and student privacy protections

4.4 What We Never Share

Certain information is never shared under any circumstances:

• Social Security numbers and other sensitive identifying information are never disclosed to third parties except as specifically required by law with appropriate legal process

• Financial information including family income details, payment history, or banking information is never shared with educational partners or other third parties without explicit family consent

• Private family communications such as personal emails, confidential family situations, or sensitive personal information shared in confidence are maintained with strict confidentiality

• Student disciplinary details beyond basic academic records are not shared with external parties unless specifically required for student safety or legal compliance purposes

5. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY PROTECTION (COPPA COMPLIANCE)

5.1 Special Protections for Children Under 13

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires special privacy protections for children under 13 years of age, and Skhillz Academy implements comprehensive safeguards including:

• Enhanced parental consent requirements where we obtain specific, written permission from parents before collecting any personal information from children under 13, including names, email addresses, photos, voice recordings, or any other identifying information

• Limited data collection practices ensuring we collect only the minimum information necessary for educational purposes and never request unnecessary personal details from young children that could compromise their privacy or safety

• Restricted information sharing with even stricter limitations on sharing information about children under 13, including prohibition on using such information for marketing purposes or sharing with third parties except as specifically necessary for educational services

• Enhanced security measures including additional encryption, access controls, and monitoring systems specifically designed to protect information about our youngest students from unauthorized access or misuse

5.2 Parental Rights for Children Under 13

Parents of children under 13 have enhanced rights regarding their child's personal information:

• Right to review and access all personal information collected about their child, including the ability to request copies of educational records, assessment results, and any other data maintained by the school

• Right to request deletion of their child's personal information when it is no longer necessary for educational purposes, though some records must be maintained for legal compliance and academic transcript purposes

• Right to refuse information collection for certain non-essential purposes such as optional surveys, marketing communications, or research activities that are not directly related to educational services

• Right to control information sharing with even greater restrictions on sharing information about children under 13, requiring specific parental consent for each instance of information sharing beyond basic educational necessities

5.3 Safe Technology Practices for Young Children

We implement special technology safeguards for students under 13:

• Age-appropriate platform features including simplified interfaces, enhanced safety controls, and content filtering systems designed specifically for younger learners

• Increased supervision requirements during online activities, with closer monitoring of chat features, discussion boards, and other interactive elements to ensure appropriate and safe online interactions

• Restricted communication channels limiting direct communication between young children and unknown individuals, with all communications filtered through parents or school staff for safety verification

• Educational digital citizenship training specifically designed for young children to teach appropriate online behavior, recognition of potential safety threats, and understanding of privacy protection in age-appropriate language

6. DATA SECURITY AND PROTECTION

6.1 Technical Security Measures

Skhillz Academy employs comprehensive technical safeguards to protect personal information:

• Encryption protection using industry-standard encryption protocols for all data transmission over the internet and secure encryption for all stored data, ensuring that personal information cannot be read by unauthorized individuals even if intercepted

• Access control systems implementing multi-factor authentication for staff accounts, role-based access permissions that limit staff access to only the information necessary for their job functions, and regular review of access privileges to prevent unauthorized data access

• Network security infrastructure including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, regular security monitoring, and automated threat detection systems that protect our technology platforms from cyber attacks and unauthorized access attempts

• Regular security updates and maintenance ensuring all software systems receive timely security patches, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and maintaining up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware protection across all technology platforms

• Secure data backup and recovery systems with encrypted backup storage, regular testing of data recovery procedures, and geographically distributed backup locations to ensure student information remains safe and accessible even during technology emergencies

6.2 Physical Security Measures

Our physical security protections include:

• Secure facility access with controlled entry to offices containing student records, security cameras in common areas, and restricted access to areas where sensitive information is stored or processed

• Locked storage systems for any physical documents containing student information, with fireproof storage for critical records and controlled access protocols for staff members who need to access physical files

• Clean desk and clear screen policies requiring staff to secure sensitive information when not in use, automatic screen locks on all devices, and proper disposal of documents containing personal information through secure shredding services

• Staff identification and monitoring including background checks for all employees with access to student information, regular training on security protocols, and clear accountability measures for staff members who handle sensitive data

6.3 Administrative Security Measures

Our organizational security practices include:

• Comprehensive staff training on privacy laws, data protection requirements, appropriate handling of student information, and incident response procedures, with regular refresher training and testing to ensure ongoing compliance

• Written security policies and procedures detailing specific protocols for handling different types of information, clear guidelines for responding to security incidents, and regular policy updates to address emerging threats and regulatory changes

• Regular security audits and assessments conducted by internal staff and external security professionals to identify potential vulnerabilities, test security controls, and ensure our protection measures remain effective against evolving threats

• Incident response and breach notification procedures with clear protocols for identifying and containing security incidents, notifying affected families and regulatory agencies as required by law, and implementing corrective measures to prevent similar incidents

6.4 Third-Party Security Requirements

All external vendors and service providers must meet strict security standards:

• Contractual security obligations requiring third-party providers to implement security measures equivalent to our own standards, submit to regular security assessments, and provide evidence of ongoing compliance with data protection requirements

• Privacy impact assessments conducted before engaging new technology vendors or service providers to evaluate potential privacy risks and ensure appropriate protections are in place before any student information is shared

• Limited access and use restrictions ensuring third-party providers can access only the specific information necessary for their services, prohibiting use of student information for any purposes beyond the contracted educational services

• Breach notification requirements obligating vendors to immediately notify us of any security incidents affecting student information, cooperate with incident response efforts, and implement corrective measures to address any vulnerabilities

7. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS

7.1 Access and Review Rights (FERPA)

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, students and parents have comprehensive rights to access educational information:

• Right to inspect and review all educational records maintained about the student, including academic transcripts, assessment results, disciplinary records, attendance information, and any other documents that directly relate to the student's educational experience

• Right to request explanations of any information in educational records that may be unclear, including assessment results, teacher comments, or administrative notations, with school staff available to provide context and interpretation

• Right to obtain copies of educational records for a reasonable fee covering copying costs, with free copies provided when charging fees would prevent families from exercising their rights to access information

• Timeline for access with school commitment to provide access to requested records within 45 days of receiving a written request, though most requests are fulfilled much more quickly during normal business operations

7.2 Amendment and Correction Rights

Families have the right to request changes to educational records when information is inaccurate or misleading:

• Written amendment requests detailing specific information believed to be incorrect and providing evidence or explanation supporting the requested changes, with clear procedures for submitting such requests to appropriate school administrators

• Administrative review process including evaluation of amendment requests by qualified school personnel, consideration of supporting evidence, and written response explaining approval or denial of requested changes within a reasonable timeframe

• Appeal procedures for families who disagree with decisions about record amendments, including formal hearings with impartial hearing officers and the right to present evidence supporting their position

• Right to add statements allowing families to include written statements of disagreement that become permanent parts of educational records when amendment requests are denied, ensuring alternative perspectives are documented

7.3 Consent and Control Rights

Families maintain significant control over how educational information is used and shared:

• Prior written consent requirements for most disclosures of educational records beyond basic directory information, with specific consent forms detailing what information will be shared, with whom, and for what purposes

• Right to opt out of directory information disclosures, allowing families to prevent sharing of basic information such as student name, address, phone number, and participation in school activities for purposes such as graduation programs or honor rolls

• Consent withdrawal with the ability to revoke previously granted permissions for information sharing, though some educational uses may continue as necessary for providing ongoing educational services

• Special consent for research ensuring families have specific opportunities to grant or deny permission for student information to be used in educational research, program evaluation, or other activities beyond direct educational services

7.4 Complaint and Enforcement Rights

Families who believe their privacy rights have been violated have several avenues for addressing concerns:

• Internal complaint procedures with designated school personnel responsible for investigating privacy concerns, clear timelines for response and resolution, and written documentation of complaint outcomes

• State education agency complaints through the Florida Department of Education, which investigates violations of educational privacy laws and can order corrective actions when violations are found

• Federal complaint options including filing complaints with the U.S. Department of Education's Family Policy Compliance Office, which enforces FERPA and other federal education privacy laws

• Legal remedies under applicable state and federal laws, including potential civil rights violations and consumer protection law violations, though families are encouraged to use administrative remedies first

8. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

8.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Our website and learning platforms use various types of cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and ensure platform functionality:

• Essential cookies that are necessary for basic website operation, including user authentication, session management, and security features that cannot be disabled without preventing access to educational services

• Functional cookies that remember user preferences such as language settings, display options, and accessibility accommodations to provide personalized experiences across multiple sessions

• Analytics cookies that help us understand how visitors use our website and learning platforms, including which pages are most helpful, where users encounter difficulties, and how we can improve navigation and functionality

• Performance cookies that monitor system performance, loading times, and technical issues to ensure our platforms operate efficiently and provide the best possible user experience for students and families

8.2 Cookie Management and Control

Users have several options for managing cookies and tracking technologies:

• Browser controls allowing users to block, delete, or restrict cookies through their web browser settings, though this may affect the functionality of certain website features and learning platform capabilities

• Opt-out mechanisms for non-essential cookies, with clear instructions provided for users who prefer to limit tracking while still accessing core educational services

• Cookie preference centers where available, allowing users to select which types of cookies they are comfortable accepting while maintaining access to essential educational platform features

• Regular cookie review with periodic notifications about cookie usage and opportunities for users to update their preferences as our technology systems evolve

8.3 Third-Party Tracking and Analytics

Our platforms may include third-party tracking technologies subject to additional privacy considerations:

• Educational technology analytics from learning management system providers and educational software companies to monitor platform performance and student engagement patterns, but only for educational improvement purposes

• Website analytics services such as Google Analytics to understand visitor behavior and improve website content and navigation, with data anonymized and aggregated to protect individual privacy

• Security and fraud prevention services that may track unusual activity patterns to protect against cyber attacks, unauthorized access, and other security threats that could compromise student information

• Third-party privacy policies governing how external analytics providers handle information, with users encouraged to review these policies independently as they are not under Skhillz Academy's direct control

9. DATA RETENTION AND DELETION

9.1 Educational Record Retention

We maintain educational records according to legal requirements and best practices for educational institutions:

• Permanent records including transcripts, graduation records, and basic academic achievement information are maintained indefinitely to support future educational and employment verification needs

• Detailed academic records such as individual assignments, test papers, and daily attendance records are typically maintained for five (5) years after graduation or withdrawal, balancing storage costs with potential future needs

• Special education records including IEPs, 504 plans, and related documentation are maintained for seven (7) years after graduation or until age 26, whichever comes first, as required by federal special education laws

• Disciplinary records are generally maintained for three (3) years after graduation or withdrawal unless they involve serious safety concerns that may require longer retention for campus safety purposes

9.2 Technology and Platform Data

Digital information collected through our learning platforms is subject to specific retention schedules:

• Learning management system data including course participation, assignment submissions, and academic progress tracking is maintained for the duration of enrollment plus three (3) years for academic verification purposes

• Communication records such as emails between families and school staff, virtual classroom chat logs, and recorded video sessions are maintained for two (2) years unless they document important educational decisions requiring longer retention

• Website analytics and usage data is typically aggregated and anonymized within one (1) year of collection, with individual user tracking information deleted while maintaining statistical information for platform improvement

• Security and access logs are maintained for one (1) year to support cybersecurity monitoring and incident investigation while balancing privacy protection with security needs

9.3 Data Deletion Procedures

When information is eligible for deletion, we follow secure data destruction procedures:

• Secure digital deletion using data wiping software that ensures deleted information cannot be recovered, with verification procedures to confirm complete removal from all storage systems including backup servers

• Physical document destruction through certified shredding services for any paper records containing personal information, with certificates of destruction maintained as evidence of proper disposal

• Third-party data removal including notification to vendors and service providers when student information should be deleted from external systems, with verification that deletion has occurred according to contractual requirements

• Family-requested deletion accommodating reasonable requests for early deletion of information that is no longer necessary for educational purposes, while maintaining records required by law for compliance and transcript verification

9.4 Data Retention Exceptions

Certain circumstances may require longer retention or prevent deletion of some information:

• Legal hold requirements preventing deletion of information subject to litigation, regulatory investigation, or other legal proceedings until those matters are fully resolved

• Ongoing special education services requiring retention of detailed records to ensure continuity of appropriate accommodations and services across academic years

• Graduate verification needs for students who may need transcripts or verification of educational attainment years after completion, requiring permanent retention of basic academic achievement records

• Safety and security concerns that may warrant longer retention of certain behavioral or disciplinary records when necessary to protect the safety of students, staff, or the school community

10. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND DATA TRANSFERS

10.1 International Student Privacy

For students and families located outside the United States, additional privacy considerations apply:

• Cross-border data transfers as student information may be transmitted to and stored on servers located in the United States, subject to U.S. privacy laws and government access rights that may differ from protections available in other countries

• Consent for international transfers with clear notification to international families about data location and applicable legal frameworks, ensuring informed consent for any cross-border information transfers

• Compliance with local laws requiring families to verify that enrollment in U.S.-based virtual education programs complies with their local education and privacy laws, as we cannot provide legal advice about international legal requirements

• Communication challenges including potential language barriers, time zone differences, and varying cultural expectations about privacy that we work to address through culturally responsive communication practices

10.2 European Union Residents (GDPR Considerations)

For families residing in European Union countries, additional privacy rights may apply under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Enhanced consent requirements that may require more specific and detailed consent for data collection and processing activities beyond standard U.S. education law requirements

• Additional access and portability rights including the right to receive personal information in machine-readable formats and potential rights to have information erased under certain circumstances

• Data protection impact assessments for EU residents to evaluate privacy risks and ensure appropriate protections are in place for cross-border educational services

• Legal basis for processing with clear documentation of the educational necessity that justifies collecting and using personal information for EU residents receiving U.S.-based educational services

11. PRIVACY POLICY UPDATES AND CHANGES

11.1 Policy Update Procedures

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, educational practices, or technology systems:

• Regular policy review conducted annually or when significant changes in laws, regulations, or business practices require updates to privacy protection procedures

• Advance notification with at least thirty (30) days notice to enrolled families when material changes to privacy practices are planned, providing opportunity for questions and concerns to be addressed

• Clear change documentation highlighting specific modifications to privacy practices, explaining the reasons for changes, and detailing how the changes may affect families' privacy rights and our information handling procedures

• Consent for material changes requiring renewed agreement to privacy practices when changes significantly affect how personal information is collected, used, or shared

11.2 Communication of Changes

When privacy policy updates occur, we ensure comprehensive communication through multiple channels:

• Direct email notification to all enrolled families with clear subject lines indicating privacy policy changes and links to both the updated policy and a summary of key modifications

• Website posting with prominent notice of policy updates on our homepage and in the parent portal, including the effective date of changes and easy access to previous policy versions for comparison

• Written notification through regular school communications such as newsletters or academic progress reports, ensuring families who may not regularly check email are informed of important privacy changes

• Question and answer sessions offering opportunities for families to discuss privacy policy changes with school administrators and ask questions about how changes may affect their personal information

11.3 Historical Policy Access

We maintain access to previous versions of our Privacy Policy to ensure transparency and accountability:

• Policy version archive with dated copies of previous privacy policies available for review, allowing families to understand how our privacy practices have evolved over time

• Change documentation summarizing major modifications between policy versions, providing clear explanations of what changed and why updates were necessary

• Effective date tracking with clear documentation of when different policy provisions took effect, helping families understand which version applied to their information at different times

• Grandfathering provisions when appropriate, allowing families enrolled under previous policy versions to maintain certain privacy protections if new policies are more restrictive

12. SPECIAL SITUATIONS AND EMERGENCIES

12.1 Emergency Information Sharing

During genuine emergency situations, normal privacy protections may be temporarily modified to ensure student safety:

• Immediate danger situations where disclosure of student information is necessary to protect life, prevent serious injury, or respond to urgent medical emergencies, even without prior family consent

• Natural disaster response including sharing contact information with emergency responders, evacuation coordinators, or relief organizations to ensure student and family safety during widespread emergencies

• Public health emergencies such as infectious disease outbreaks that may require sharing health information with public health authorities to protect the broader school community and general public

• Law enforcement cooperation when immediate disclosure is necessary to prevent or investigate serious crimes, locate missing students, or protect individuals from imminent threats to their safety

12.2 Technology Emergency Procedures

When technology systems fail or are compromised, special privacy procedures are implemented:

• Data breach response with immediate steps to contain security incidents, assess the scope of any privacy compromise, and notify affected families within legally required timeframes

• System backup and recovery procedures designed to restore educational services while maintaining privacy protections and ensuring student information remains secure during technology restoration

• Alternative communication methods for maintaining contact with families when normal digital communication systems are unavailable, using backup communication channels that maintain appropriate privacy protections

• Temporary service adjustments that may affect normal privacy practices during technology emergencies, with clear communication about any temporary changes and restoration timelines for normal privacy protections

13. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES AND LINKS

13.1 Educational Technology Vendors

Our educational program utilizes various third-party technology services that may have different privacy practices:

• Learning management systems provided by external companies that host course content, track student progress, and facilitate online learning activities under data processing agreements that require privacy protection equivalent to our own standards

• Video conferencing platforms used for live virtual classes and one-on-one meetings, with privacy settings configured to protect student information and prevent unauthorized access to educational sessions

• Assessment and testing services that may collect student performance data for educational evaluation purposes, operating under strict contracts that limit use of information to educational assessment and improvement

• Educational software applications including specialized learning tools, educational games, and curriculum resources that may collect usage data to improve educational effectiveness while protecting student privacy

13.2 External Website Links

Our website and educational materials may include links to external websites and resources not under our direct control:

• Third-party educational resources such as online libraries, research databases, and educational content providers that have their own privacy policies and data collection practices independent of Skhillz Academy

• College and university websites linked for student research and planning purposes, with families responsible for reviewing the privacy practices of these external educational institutions

• Government and public service websites providing information about education regulations, financial aid opportunities, and other public resources relevant to student and family needs

• Disclaimer of responsibility for privacy practices of external websites, with families encouraged to review privacy policies of any third-party sites they choose to visit through our links

13.3 Social Media and Communication Platforms

Our use of social media and external communication platforms involves additional privacy considerations:

• Official school social media accounts operated according to privacy-protective practices, with limited sharing of student information and strong privacy settings to prevent unauthorized access

• Third-party communication tools such as messaging apps or collaboration platforms that may be used for specific educational purposes under controlled conditions with appropriate privacy protections

• Student-generated content shared through social media or external platforms with explicit family consent and student understanding of privacy implications, ensuring appropriate controls over how student work is displayed publicly

• Privacy education helping students and families understand privacy risks associated with social media and external communication platforms beyond school-controlled environments

14. CONTACT INFORMATION AND COMPLAINTS

14.1 Privacy Questions and Concerns

For questions about this Privacy Policy or concerns about privacy practices, contact us through multiple channels:

Primary Privacy Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (888) 429-5094

Address: 1317 Edgewater Drive, Suite 458, Orlando, Florida 32804

Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST

Response Time: Initial response within 2 business days for privacy inquiries

14.2 FERPA Compliance Officer

For specific questions about educational record access rights and FERPA compliance:

FERPA Compliance Officer:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (888) 429-5094 (ask for FERPA Compliance Officer)

Written requests: Mail to address above, Attention: FERPA Compliance

14.3 External Complaint Resources

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file complaints with:

U.S. Department of Education - Family Policy Compliance Office:

Address: 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202

Website: https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/file-a-complaint

Florida Department of Education:

Address: [State Education Department Address]

Phone: [State Education Department Phone]

Website: [State Education Department Website]

14.4 Emergency Privacy Concerns

For urgent privacy concerns involving potential safety risks or security breaches:

• Immediate safety threats: Contact local law enforcement (911) and then notify school administration

• Data security incidents: Email [email protected] or call (888) 429-5094 immediately

• After-hours emergency contact: [Emergency contact information for serious privacy breaches]

15. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

By enrolling in Skhillz Academy educational services, creating an account on our learning platforms, or using our website, students, parents, and guardians acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

This acknowledgment includes understanding that:

• Personal information will be collected as necessary for providing virtual educational services and maintaining student records

• Information may be shared in limited circumstances as outlined in this policy and required by law

• Privacy rights exist under federal and state laws, with clear procedures for exercising those rights

• Policy updates may occur with appropriate notification and opportunity for review

• Security measures are in place but cannot guarantee absolute protection of information in online environments

For students under 18, parent/guardian consent is required for information collection and processing as outlined in this Privacy Policy.