Generally, schools are NOT allowed to release student information without consent, except under specific circumstances, such as:
* Legally mandated disclosures: This includes court orders, subpoenas, or requests from law enforcement agencies investigating a crime.
* Emergency situations: If a student's safety or well-being is at risk, the school may release information to appropriate authorities or individuals.
* Parental/Guardian consent: With the proper consent from the parent or legal guardian, the school can release information. This is the most common legitimate reason for disclosure.
* Directory Information: Many schools have a "directory information" policy that allows them to release certain information (like name, grade, and participation in extracurricular activities) unless a parent or student opts out. Addresses are *often not* included in directory information.
* School officials with a legitimate educational interest: School personnel might have access to this information for legitimate educational purposes, but they're generally not permitted to release it externally.
In short: While schools might possess the information, releasing it without proper legal authorization or parental consent is generally prohibited and potentially illegal. If you're concerned about a school releasing your information, consult with the school administration and/or your school district's privacy officer. You might also want to consult an attorney familiar with education law and privacy rights.