What are my Parental Rights as a Public School Parent?

• Posted: February 10, 2026

Being a parent today can feel overwhelming — especially when it comes to your child’s education. Many parents want to stay involved and informed but aren’t always sure where their rights begin and end once their child enters the public school doors.

That uncertainty often leads to confusion, hesitation, or even fear of speaking up. But here’s the good news: parents DO have rights — and public schools have a responsibility to respect them. Understanding your parental rights is the first step toward respectfully advocating for your child and partnering with their school.

What Are Parental Rights?

Parental rights recognize that parents are the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives. This includes decisions about education, values, and spiritual development.

Randall Wenger, Chief Counsel for the Pennsylvania Family Institute, explains it this way, “Parental rights mean parents have the legal right to direct the upbringing of their children — including educational and spiritual development — not the government. This is at the core of every free society. The only exception to this is when abuse is present, precisely because a mother or father has compromised his or her duty as a parent.”

So, as a public school parent, you DO have rights. In this blog, we are going to outline three specific rights you have.

1. You Have the Right to Stay Informed About Your Child’s Education

Parents are entitled to know what their children are being taught and how instructional decisions are made. This includes the right to:

• Be informed about classroom instruction and lesson content
• Review curriculum and instructional materials
• Inspect and review your child’s educational records

If something feels unclear or concerning, asking questions is not only appropriate — it’s expected.

2. You Have the Right to Opt Out of Certain Activities or Instruction

Depending on your state and school district, parents may have the right to opt their children out of specific activities or lessons, especially when they conflict with family values or beliefs. These may include:

• Certain health or sexuality instruction
• Sensitive surveys or assessments
• Activities or materials that conflict with religious beliefs

Opt-out policies are often outlined in district handbooks or board policies.

3. You Have the Right to Be Heard

Parents are not only allowed to speak up, but are encouraged to do so respectfully and constructively. Parents have the right to:

• Communicate concerns with teachers and school administrators
• Attend and speak at school board meetings
• Respectfully advocate for their child without fear of retaliation

A healthy school appreciates parental input. When parents engage thoughtfully and consistently, they help create a better educational environment for all students.

A Real-Life Scenario

Imagine this: your child brings home a required reading book from school. As you flip through the pages, you realize the content doesn’t align with your family’s values or feels developmentally inappropriate. What do you do?

Many parents hesitate, unsure whether they’re allowed to question the curriculum or request an alternative. But parental rights make it clear—you CAN speak up. Knowing your rights allows you to respond calmly, clearly, respectfully, and confidently—without confrontation or fear.

Conclusion: Informed Parents Make a Difference

We believe parents should be educated on their child’s religious rights in public school. That’s why we offer resources like our 22-page guide and a religious liberties webinar, designed to equip parents with practical information and next steps.

Curious to learn more? Stay tuned for Kori Pennypacker’s upcoming book, Backpack Faith, which dives deeper into parental rights, faith, and navigating public school with confidence. Stay updated on the book release date here.