WelcomeParents are the first and primary educators of their children.Long before children enter a classroom, they learn from their families through love, faith, example, and daily life. Schools play an important role in supporting that formation, but they do so in partnership with parents, not in place of them.The California Catholic Conference has prepared this guide to help families understand their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for engagement within California’s public education system. Whether your child attends a public, charter, private, or Catholic school, informed parents are better equipped to advocate for their children and build positive relationships with educators.Our hope is that this resource encourages collaboration, respectful communication, and a shared commitment to helping every child flourish academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.Parents Have the Right to Be InformedCalifornia law recognizes the important role parents play in their children’s education.Parents have the right to:✓ Review many instructional materials used in their child’s classroom.✓ Inspect and review their child’s education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).✓ Meet with teachers, counselors, principals, and other school personnel.✓ Receive annual notices regarding educational programs, student services, and school policies.✓ Participate in school advisory committees and parent organizations.✓ Request evaluations for special education services when appropriate.✓ Review district policies concerning technology, student privacy, and instructional programs.Parent Opt-Out OpportunitiesCalifornia law provides parents with the ability to excuse their child from participation in specific instructional programs.
Comprehensive Sexual Health & HIV Prevention EducationUnder the California Healthy Youth Act (Education Code §§ 51930–51939):Parents have the right to:
- Review all instructional materials.
- Receive advance written notice before instruction.
- Excuse their child from all or part of comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education by submitting a written request.
- Review anonymous health behavior surveys administered in conjunction with this instruction.
Military Recruiter InformationParents of high school students may request that student contact information not be released to military recruiters as permitted under federal law.
Media ReleasesMany districts allow parents to opt out of photographs, videos, or publication of student work through annual media release forms.
Sample Parent Opt-Out Letter[Parent Name][Address][City, State, ZIP][Email][Phone Number][Date][Principal’s Name][School Name][School Address][City, State, ZIP]
- Instruction on gender identity, sexual orientation, or sexual activity that conflicts with Catholic teaching.
- Presentations of marriage, family life, or human sexuality that are inconsistent with the Catholic understanding of these topics.
- Materials that contradict Catholic moral teaching on the dignity of human life, creation, or family.
- Any content, activities, or celebrations that promote beliefs contrary to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
I ask that my child be provided with appropriate alternative educational activities during such times and that I receive prior notification when such material is scheduled to be taught, read, or discussed.Thank you for honoring my role as the primary educator of my child in matters of faith and morality. I look forward to partnering with you in a spirit of respect and cooperation.Sincerely,[Signature][Printed Name]
What Parents Generally Cannot Opt Out OfCalifornia law generally does not provide a broad opt-out from required academic instruction, including:• Mathematics• English Language Arts• Science• History–Social Science• Required state academic standardsParents may always ask questions, review curriculum where permitted, and communicate concerns with school administrators.
Annual Parent ChecklistAt the beginning of every school year:□ Read the Annual Parent Notification.□ Review the Student/Parent Handbook.□ Review Comprehensive Sexual Health notices.□ Review Technology & Acceptable Use Agreements.□ Decide whether to opt out of directory information or media releases.□ Save copies of all signed forms.□ Verify emergency contacts.□ Attend Back-to-School Night.□ Meet your child’s teacher.
Questions to Ask Your SchoolCurriculumMay I review instructional materials?When is the instruction taught?Who provides the instruction?
Student PrivacyHow are student records maintained?What online platforms are used?How is student data protected?
TechnologyWhich digital learning platforms are used?How are artificial intelligence tools being used in instruction?
Student SupportWho should I contact if I have concerns?How do I request a meeting?How can I become involved at my child’s school?
Helpful ResourcesCalifornia Department of EducationParent Rightshttps://www.cde.ca.gov/Health Educationhttps://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/se/
U.S. Department of EducationStudent Privacyhttps://studentprivacy.ed.gov/Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)PPRA Guidance
California Legislative Informationhttps://cacatholic.org/letters/ (I would like to send them to our website—bills need to be updated under each priority)
California Catholic Conference RecommendsBuild RelationshipsParents, teachers, and school leaders share a common goal: helping every child succeed.Stay InformedReview annual notices carefully and ask questions whenever clarification is needed.Keep RecordsMaintain copies of important forms, correspondence, and school communications.Communicate EarlyAddress questions and concerns promptly and respectfully.Partner with Your SchoolStrong partnerships between families and educators create stronger schools and better outcomes for students.
California Catholic Conference – CommitmentThe California Catholic Conference affirms that parents are the primary educators of their children. We encourage every family to remain actively engaged in their child’s education and to work collaboratively with educators in promoting academic excellence, human dignity, and the common good. We are here to answer questions and support the education you desire for your child.
Disclaimer This guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Laws, regulations, and local school district policies may change. Parents should consult their school district regarding specific procedures and seek legal counsel for advice related to their individual circumstances.