Who has access rights under FERPA?

Access rights under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) extend to parents of minor children as well as to parents of dependent students, but these rights specifically continue until the student turns 18 or enrolls in a postsecondary institution. Once a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending an institution of higher education, the rights transfer from the parents to the student. This means that, up until that point, parents have the ability to access their child's educational records.

The other options present limitations or inaccuracies regarding access rights. While parents do have access rights while their child is a minor, this does not cover the entirety of students' educational experiences, especially once they transition to postsecondary education. Students do have access to their own records, but this begins upon enrollment, not just after graduation. School officials do have access to student records under certain circumstances; however, this access is governed by specific conditions and the need to know, and does not encompass broad access rights like those of parents and students. Thus, option B accurately captures the extent of access rights under FERPA during the critical age transition.