Northside Catholic Academy (“we,” “our,” or “the School”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our students, parents/guardians, staff, and visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard information when you use our website or online services. Our practices comply with applicable federal and Illinois state laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois School Student Records Act (ISSRA).
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Student Information (Protected by FERPA & ISSRA)
We may collect and maintain information considered part of a student’s education record, including:
- Student name, date of birth, and grade level
- Parent/guardian name and contact information
- Enrollment and registration information
- Academic records, attendance, and performance data
- Health, emergency, or special services information as required for educational purposes
- Any data provided through school forms, digital tools, or online educational platforms
1.2 Website Visitor Information
When accessing our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type, device details, and operating system
- Website usage data (pages viewed, time spent)
- Cookies and other tracking technologies
1.3 Information from Children Under 13 (COPPA Compliance)
For students under the age of 13, Northside Catholic Academy does not collect personal information online without verifiable parental consent, as required by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
2. How We Use Information
Northside Catholic Academy uses collected information to:
- Provide, enhance, and support educational services
- Communicate with parents/guardians, students, and staff
- Manage enrollment, attendance, academic records, and school operations
- Support student safety and emergency response procedures
- Administer school programs, activities, and online platforms
- Improve website usability and user experience
- Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements
3. How We Share Information
We do not sell or rent personal information.
Information may be shared only in the following circumstances:
3.1 With School Officials
Information may be shared with school officials who have a legitimate educational interest, including teachers, administrators, support staff, and authorized contractors or service providers.
3.2 With Third-Party Service Providers
We may share information with trusted vendors who assist with school operations (e.g., communication tools, learning management systems, and assessment platforms). These vendors must:
- Follow confidentiality and data protection requirements
- Use information only for authorized educational purposes
3.3 When Required by Law
We may disclose information:
- To comply with FERPA, ISSRA, COPPA, or court orders
- To law enforcement or child protection agencies when necessary
- During health or safety emergencies
3.4 With Parent/Guardian Consent
For disclosures not otherwise permitted by law, we will obtain written parental or eligible student consent.
4. Student Records (ISSRA & FERPA Requirements)
Illinois law grants parents/guardians and eligible students the right to:
- Inspect and review educational records
- Request corrections to inaccurate or misleading information
- Request copies of student records (copying fees may apply)
- Challenge the release of information not covered under directory information
- Receive notice of directory information designations
More information about exercising these rights is available by contacting the Northside Catholic Academy administrative office.
5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies to:
- Enhance user experience
- Remember user preferences
- Analyze site traffic
You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although doing so may affect some website features.
6. Data Security
Northside Catholic Academy uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. While we strive to follow best practices, no method of data transmission or storage is completely secure.
7. Links to External Websites
Our website may contain links to external sites not managed by Northside Catholic Academy. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before providing personal information.
8. Your Privacy Rights (For Illinois Residents)
- Parents/guardians and eligible students have the right to:
- Access and review student data
- Request correction of inaccurate records
- Request deletion of certain data when permitted by law
- Withdraw consent for optional data-sharing
- To exercise any of these rights, please contact the school using the information below.
9. Updates to This Policy
Northside Catholic Academy may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.