Last Updated: April 21, 2026
Alta Independent, LC ("Alta," "we," "us," or "our") respects the privacy of students and families. This Privacy Policy explains Alta's data practices. By using altaindependent.org or altastudent.com (the "Sites") or enrolling with Alta, you acknowledge this Policy. Specific activities — such as call recording, FERPA record releases, and recurring billing authorization — are governed by separate consent provisions described below or in the Alta Independent Terms of Service.
1. Information We Collect
Alta collects information necessary for enrollment, academic records, billing, communication, and required reporting. This may include:
- Identifying information: student and parent/guardian name, date of birth, address, phone, and email.
- Academic information: prior transcripts, coursework, grades, attendance, accommodations documentation (IEP/504), and graduation plans.
- Billing information: payment method details processed by our PCI-compliant payment processor. Alta does not store full credit card numbers.
- Account information: username, password, and portal activity.
- Communication records: phone calls (which may be recorded), live chat transcripts, email correspondence, and support interactions.
- Device and usage information: browser type, IP address, pages visited, and time spent on our Sites for security and analytics purposes.
2. How We Use Information
Alta uses collected information to:
- Enroll students and deliver educational services.
- Process tuition payments and maintain billing records.
- Generate and maintain official academic records, including transcripts.
- Communicate with students, families, and authorized partners.
- Provide technical, academic, and administrative support.
- Comply with federal, state, and accreditor reporting requirements.
- Improve service quality and platform security.
3. How We Share Information
Alta does not sell student or family data to third-party marketers.
We share information only in the following limited circumstances:
- Approved third-party service providers necessary for service delivery (curriculum platforms, payment processors, communication tools, and accreditor-required reporting).
- Partner programs where the student is enrolled through a partnership agreement, and only as required to deliver the agreed-upon services.
- Educational institutions when a family requests records be sent to a receiving school, district, college, or university.
- Legal authorities when required by law, subpoena, court order, or to protect student safety.
4. Third-Party Service Providers
Alta uses third-party platforms including but not limited to Edgenuity, Buzz, Google Workspace, MemberPress, Authorize.Net, and communication providers. These providers have their own privacy policies. Alta shares only the minimum necessary information with approved third parties and requires them to maintain appropriate data protections.
5. Artificial Intelligence Tools
Alta primarily uses Google Workspace (including Google Classroom) for day-to-day operations and may use AI features integrated within that environment or other approved operational tools. AI may be used to support administrative tasks such as drafting communications, scheduling, and improving operational efficiency. Alta does not collect, sell, or monetize student or family personal data through AI tools or any other means.
Alta does not control how third-party curriculum or platform providers (such as Edgenuity, Buzz, or other tools used to deliver coursework) may incorporate AI features within their own systems. Families are encouraged to review each provider's privacy policy for information about that provider's AI and data practices.
6. Payment Data
Alta uses PCI-compliant payment processors to handle all transactions. Alta does not store full credit card numbers on its servers. Payment processors retain limited payment data as required to process recurring transactions and provide receipts.
7. FERPA Compliance
Alta complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
- Parental rights: Parents/guardians of students under 18 have the right to inspect, review, and request corrections to education records.
- Transfer of rights at age 18: When a student turns 18, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student. Parents may continue to receive reports only if the student signs a FERPA consent form authorizing continued parental access.
- Consent for disclosure: Except for specific exceptions permitted by FERPA (such as school officials with legitimate educational interest, transfer to another school, health and safety emergencies, or response to a subpoena), Alta's operational policy is to require written consent before disclosing personally identifiable information from education records. This consent-based approach reflects Alta's practice; it is not intended to describe the full outer limit of what FERPA may permit in narrow legal circumstances.
- FERPA consent form: Students may authorize release of specific records for specific purposes by completing a FERPA consent form. Consent may be revoked at any time in writing.
- Right to inspect: Students and eligible parents have the right to inspect records released under a FERPA consent.
To request records or submit a FERPA consent form, email registrar@altaindependent.com.
8. Children Under 13 (COPPA)
By enrolling a student under the age of 13, parents/guardians provide consent for Alta to collect and use that student's information solely for educational purposes as described in this policy. Alta does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 outside of authorized enrollment. Parents may review, request deletion of, or refuse further collection of their child's information at any time by contacting support@altaindependent.com.
9. Call Recording & Communication Retention
Alta may record phone calls and retain live chat transcripts for training, quality assurance, and record-keeping purposes. Where required by applicable law, Alta will provide notice and obtain consent before recording.
10. Marketing Communications
Alta may send service-related emails (billing notices, academic updates, policy changes) that cannot be opted out of while enrolled. Alta may also send newsletters or program updates; Families may opt out of non-essential marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe link in those emails.
11. Record Requests
To request educational records, email registrar@altaindependent.com. Alta responds to record requests within a reasonable time and in compliance with FERPA and applicable state law. The first transcript is provided free; additional transcripts may be subject to the fees listed on our pricing page.
12. Data Retention
Alta strives