Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Last Updated: [Insert Date]
Decatur Christian School ("the School," "we," "us," or "our") respects the trust that families place in us and is committed to protecting the privacy of students, parents, guardians, staff, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using this website or submitting information to us, you agree to the practices described below.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
A. Information You Provide Directly
Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses submitted through inquiry, admissions, or contact forms;
Student information provided during the enrollment or application process (e.g., birth date, grade level, prior school records, health or emergency contact information);
Payment or billing information submitted for tuition, fees, or donations;
Any messages, comments, or content you submit to us directly.
B. Information Collected Automatically
IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system;
Pages visited, time spent on the site, and referring website;
Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 5).
C. Information About Students
For enrolled students, we may also maintain academic records, attendance records, disciplinary records, and other information consistent with our educational mission, all handled in accordance with applicable law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
2. How We Use Information
We use the information we collect to:
Process admissions inquiries and applications;
Communicate with current and prospective families regarding enrollment, school events, and updates;
Maintain accurate academic, health, and administrative records for enrolled students;
Process tuition payments and donations;
Improve our website and better understand how visitors use it;
Comply with legal and regulatory obligations;
Ensure the safety and security of our students, staff, and campus.
We do not use personal information for purposes unrelated to the operation and mission of the School without your consent.
3. Children's Privacy
Because Decatur Christian School serves students who may be under the age of 13, we are mindful of our obligations under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and similar laws. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children through this website outside the context of parent- or guardian-submitted enrollment and school-related forms. Any information collected about students is provided by a parent, guardian, or school staff member acting on the family's behalf, and is used solely for legitimate educational and administrative purposes.
4. Sharing of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. We may share information only in the following circumstances:
With staff, faculty, and administrators who need the information to perform their duties;
With service providers who assist us with functions such as payment processing, website hosting, or communications, under obligations to protect that information;
With government agencies or accrediting bodies where required by law or regulation;
With emergency personnel or medical providers in the event of a health or safety emergency involving a student;
As required to comply with a subpoena, court order, or other legal process.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve functionality and understand website usage. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies; however, some portions of the website may not function properly as a result.
6. Data Security
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal and student information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, including any period required by law, accreditation standards, or legitimate record-keeping needs (such as maintaining permanent academic records).
8. Your Rights and Choices
Parents and guardians of enrolled students have the right, consistent with FERPA, to:
Inspect and review their child's educational records;
Request correction of records they believe are inaccurate or misleading;
Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information, except as otherwise permitted by law.
To exercise these rights, please contact the School office using the information in Section 11 below.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites (such as payment portals or educational resource providers). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies directly.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal or operational reasons. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the most recent changes were made. Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:
Decatur Christian School
[Insert Street Address]
[Insert City, State, ZIP]
[Insert Phone Number]
[Insert Email Address]
