Age 18 is the legal age of majority in Alberta, which affects the rights of parents of students who reach majority to receive certain information from the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and CBE schools concerning that student. When a student reaches majority, they become an ‘Independent Student’ under the School Act. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) of Alberta prevents the CBE from disclosing personal information concerning an Independent Student to any persons (other than that individual), including to the parent, unless the individual consents in writing. Without such written consent being received by the CBE from the Independent Student, CBE is not able to share personal information with the parent concerning the Independent Student. Such information includes, but is not limited to attendance records, parent/teacher conferences, field trips, suspensions, report cards and similar matters. Students, therefore, should report to the office once reaching the age of 18 in order to provide the school with the names of contacts that should be displayed in our database.
Independent Students may elect to provide written consent to share the right to access information with their parent/guardian(s). This is done by having the Independent Student complete the Release of Independent Student Information form. Until such a form is signed the school presumes the Independent Student does not want their information shared with others, including parent/guardian(s).
