KDO Academy Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 12/03/2025
Effective for all K–12 students, parents/guardians, and instructors
 
1. Introduction
KDO Academy (“we,” “us,” “our”) is a Christian, non-denominational homeschool resource program dedicated to providing academic, spiritual, and community support to families. We take seriously our responsibility to protect the privacy, dignity, and safety of our students, families, and staff.
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal and educational information in accordance with:

• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
   

• COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)
   

• PPRA (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment)
   

• Applicable Pennsylvania and federal student data privacy standards
   

• KDO Academy’s operational policies and guidelines
   

By enrolling in KDO Academy or using our website and online systems, you consent to the data practices described below.
 
2. Information We Collect
We collect only what is necessary to support instruction, safety, administration, and communication.
A. Information Provided Directly By Parents/Guardians
Collected during registration, communication, or participation in KDO Academy activities:

• Student name, date of birth, grade level
   

• Parent/guardian contact information
   

• Emergency contacts
   

• Medical information necessary for safety and care (e.g., allergies, chronic conditions, medication protocols)
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

• Authorized pick-up persons and safety forms
   

• Participation agreements & acknowledgment forms
   

• Behavioral or disciplinary documentation
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

B. Educational Information
Collected through coursework, class participation, or instructor reporting:

• Homework submissions and participation records
   

• Grades and academic progress (as applicable)
   

• Attendance records (including sign-in/sign-out for Bridge/High School students)
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

• Communications between parents, students, and instructors
   

• Disciplinary notes and action plans (when applicable)
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

C. Online System Information
KDO Academy utilizes JupiterEd, email communication groups, and internal digital tools. This may include:

• Usernames and login credentials
   

• IP address, browser type, device info
   

• Assignment submissions
   

• Parent/instructor messaging
   

• Emergency notification preferences
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

D. Automatically Collected Data (Website Use)
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to collect:

• Basic site analytics
   

• Session information
   

• Browser/device type
   

We do not use cookies for advertising or student profiling.
 
3. How We Use Information
Information is used solely to support the educational, administrative, and spiritual mission of KDO Academy, including to:

• Communicate weekly updates and operational notices
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

• Maintain safe drop-off, pick-up, security, and emergency procedures
   

• Coordinate student medical needs
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

• Administer classes, grades, and study hall services
   

• Document behavior, disciplinary actions, and restorative processes
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

• Track tuition, fees, and account status
   

• Provide graduation services
   

• Maintain compliance with state homeschool and academic standards
   

• Protect the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and families
   

We never use student information for commercial marketing, advertising, or behavioral profiling.
 
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process information under:

• Compliance with federal/state laws (FERPA, COPPA, PPRA)
   

• Legitimate educational interests
   

• Emergency or safety obligations
   

• Parental consent for students under age 13
   

• Contractual necessity (tuition, enrollment obligations)
   

 
5. Sharing of Information
KDO Academy does not sell, rent, or commercially disclose any student or family information.
Information may be shared only under these conditions:
A. Authorized School Officials & Staff
Data is shared internally only with:

• Instructors
   

• Board members
   

• Liaisons
   

• Administrative staff
  As required to perform their duties, including behavior, grading, or safety.
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

B. Educational Service Providers
We partner with select third-party tools (e.g., JupiterEd) that are contractually required to:

• Use data only for educational purposes
   

• Maintain confidentiality and security
   

C. Emergency or Safety Situations
We may share information with:

• Law enforcement
   

• Emergency services
   

• Child protective agencies
  As required under safety, threat, weapons, harassment, or bullying policies.
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

D. Legal Obligations
We may share information to comply with:

• Court orders
   

• Reporting requirements
   

• Legal inquiries
   

E. Parent/Guardian Access
Parents have rights to access their own child’s:

• Records
   

• Progress reports
   

• Disciplinary documentation
   

• Medical forms
   

 
6. Student and Parent Rights
Under FERPA and KDO Academy policy, parents and eligible students have the right to:

• Access educational records
   

• Request corrections to inaccurate information
   

• Request copies of stored information
   

• Request clarification regarding data use
   

• Opt out of directory information (if practiced)
   

• Receive notice regarding major policy changes
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

All requests must be submitted in writing to updates@kdoacademy.org.
 
7. Data Retention
KDO Academy retains data only as long as operationally or legally necessary.

• Grades remain available until June 30 of the completed school year.
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

• Disciplinary files may be retained for internal reference.
   

• Medical documents are maintained for safety while actively enrolled.
   

• Communications via JupiterEd or email may be retained for documentation purposes.
   

After the required period, data is securely deleted or anonymized.
 
8. Data Security
We employ administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect data, including:

• Limited access based on role
   

• Encrypted communication tools (e.g., secure portals)
   

• Physical safety protocols (controlled entry, placards, locked doors)
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

• Staff confidentiality requirements
   

• Monitoring of student drivers and on-site behavior via security systems
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

Despite strong measures, no system can guarantee absolute security.
 
9. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)
KDO Academy collects personal information from children under age 13 only with verifiable parental consent during registration or enrollment.
We do not:

• Require more data than necessary
   

• Allow third-party advertising
   

• Permit behavioral tracking
   

Parents may request review or deletion of their child’s information at any time.
 
10. Confidentiality & Behavioral Records
Disciplinary, behavioral, and safety-related documentation may be created when necessary, including:

• Bullying investigations
   

• Cheating/plagiarism records
   

• Threats or safety concerns
   

• Restorative plans
   

• Suspension/withdrawal records
   

These records:

• Are kept confidential
   

• Are shared only with authorized staff
   

• Are accessible to the student’s parent/guardian
  
  See Policy & Guidelines
   

KDO Academy may maintain internal documentation for safety and legal compliance.
 
11. Website, Cookies & Online Tracking
Our website uses minimal cookies solely for:

• Navigational functionality
   

• Performance analytics
   

• Session management
   

We do not:

• Use advertising cookies
   

• Sell or share cookie data
   

• Track users across unrelated websites
   

 
12. Third-Party Links
KDO Academy’s website, emails, or digital systems may link to external sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, and users should review those policies independently.
 
13. Limitation of Liability
This Privacy Policy should be read alongside the Limitation of Liability section of KDO Policies & Guidelines.
KDO Academy, its board, staff, and volunteers are not liable for actions outside KDO’s operational control or for privacy issues resulting from misuse of data by unauthorized individuals.
 
 
14. Changes to This Privacy Policy
KDO Academy may update this policy to remain aligned with legal, operational, or technological changes. Significant updates will be communicated via:

• Weekly emails
   

• Website updates
   

• JupiterEd notifications
   

Parents/guardians are responsible for staying informed.
 
15. Contact Information
For privacy inquiries, data requests, or concerns:
KDO Academy
Email: updates@kdoacademy.org