PAX Academy Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 11/01/2025
PAX Academy (“we,” “our,” “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit paxacademy.org or engage with our educational services.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal Information:
- Name,
- email address,
- phone number,
- mailing address, and
- other contact details you provide when registering, enrolling, or communicating with us.
Student Educational Information:
- Documents and records submitted for enrollment and academic purposes, including
- proof of identity (birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, etc),
- proof of residency (driver’s license, mortgage/rental agreement, utility bills, etc),
- transcripts,
- academic reports,
- attendance records, and
- immunization or exemption forms.
Payment Information:
Processed securely through our third-party payment providers (we do not store full credit card numbers).
Website Usage Information:
Non-identifiable data such as browser type, IP address, and pages visited for analytics and site improvement.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
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Provide educational services and membership benefits.
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Maintain academic and administrative records.
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Process payments and manage accounts.
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Communicate about events, updates, and member services.
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Respond to customer care inquiries.
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Improve our website and programs.
Student information is used only for legitimate educational and administrative purposes and is never shared publicly.
3. Student Records & FERPA Alignment
Although PAX Academy is a private institution and not legally governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we voluntarily follow FERPA-aligned privacy and security standards to ensure the confidentiality of student records.
All student files are securely stored within our Google Workspace for Education system, which complies with FERPA and other recognized data protection standards. Access to these files is restricted to authorized personnel, including our Registrar, administrative staff, and designated guidance counselors.
We do not share student or family information with third parties except:
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As required by law (e.g., in response to legal processes or regulatory obligations), or
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With written parent or guardian consent (for example, when transferring records to or from another school).
Student records are retained for a minimum of five (5) years following withdrawal or graduation, after which they are securely archived or permanently deleted. Families may request copies, corrections, or deletion of student records by contacting registrar@paxacademy.org.
4. Data Sharing
No Third-Party Marketing:
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for promotional or marketing purposes.
Mobile Opt-In Protection:
Mobile opt-in data and consent are never shared with anyone for any reason. Any information sharing mentioned in this policy excludes mobile opt-in data.
Service Providers:
We may share limited information with trusted vendors who assist us in providing services (e.g., payment processors, website hosting), but they are contractually required to protect your data and may not use it for any other purpose.
5. Messaging Terms and Conditions
By providing your phone number and agreeing to receive text messages, you consent to receive SMS communications from PAX Ministries (related to PAX Academy) at 240-305-1441 for purposes such as:
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Account notifications
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Customer care and support
Consent to text messaging is not a condition of purchase.
Message frequency varies.
Message & data rates may apply.
Reply STOP to unsubscribe at any time.
Reply HELP for assistance.
You may also contact us directly at 240-305-1441 or info@paxacademy.org.
Mobile opt-in information is never shared with third parties.
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. All internal systems require secure login credentials, and staff with access to student records are trained in confidentiality and data protection practices.
7. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
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Access, update, or delete your personal information.
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Review or request copies of student educational records.
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Withdraw consent to certain communications.
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Request clarification about how your data is used.
To exercise your rights, please contact us at info@paxacademy.org or registrar@paxacademy.org.
8. Children’s Privacy
PAX Academy serves homeschooling, unschooling, and worldschooling families, including children under 18. Personal data about students is collected only with parent or guardian consent and is used solely for educational and administrative purposes in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
9. Updates to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Effective Date.”
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data protection practices, please contact:
PAX Academy
3701 Spruell Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20902
240-305-1441
info@paxacademy.org