Privacy Policy
Last updated: November 26, 2024
1. Introduction
High-School.ca ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of our students, parents/guardians, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our online education services.
We comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) as they apply to educational institutions.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect the following types of personal information:
- Identity Information: Full name, date of birth, Ontario Education Number (OEN)
- Contact Information: Email address, phone number, mailing address
- Parent/Guardian Information: Names, contact details, relationship to student
- Academic Records: Previous school records, transcripts, grades
- Financial Information: Payment card details (processed securely via third-party)
2.2 Educational Records
As an accredited Ontario school, we maintain:
- Course enrollments and completion records
- Assignment submissions and grades
- Attendance records
- Community service hours documentation
- Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) results
- Individual Education Plans (IEPs) where applicable
2.3 Technical Information
We automatically collect:
- IP address and device information
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited and time spent on site
- Course progress and learning analytics
3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
- Process course enrollments and payments
- Deliver educational content and track progress
- Communicate about coursework, grades, and school matters
- Generate official transcripts and Ontario Student Records
- Report to the Ontario Ministry of Education as required
- Provide technical support and improve our services
- Comply with legal obligations
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information with:
- Ontario Ministry of Education: As required for accredited schools
- Other Ontario Schools: When transferring student records
- Post-Secondary Institutions: When you request transcript submission
- Service Providers: Third parties who assist in operating our services (payment processors, hosting providers)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
We never sell personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures including:
- Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest
- Secure authentication systems
- Regular security assessments
- Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel
- Secure data centers located in Canada
6. Data Retention
We retain student educational records in accordance with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements. Ontario Student Records (OSRs) are retained for:
- 5 years after a student leaves the school (for most records)
- 55 years for the Ontario Student Transcript (OST)
Non-educational data (such as technical logs) is retained for a shorter period as necessary for business purposes.
7. Your Rights
Under Canadian privacy law, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for certain processing (may affect services)
- Complaint: File a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Parents/guardians have access rights to their minor child's educational records.
8. Children's Privacy
Our services are designed for high school students (typically ages 14-19). For students under 18, we require parent/guardian consent for enrollment. Parents have the right to review their child's information and request changes.
9. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Essential cookies required for the learning platform cannot be disabled.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Significant changes will be communicated via email to registered users. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance.
11. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact our Privacy Officer:
High-School.ca Privacy Officer
Email: privacy@high-school.ca
Phone: 1-800-XXX-XXXX
You may also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:
Website: www.priv.gc.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376