School Concerns Legal Options

Summary

Parents in Massachusetts facing issues with their childs school can file complaints with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, seek mediation, or initiate a due process hearing. If a school counselor advises a minor to seek emancipation, parents can discuss the issue with the school board or principal and consult an attorney if necessary.

Full Conversation

We have concerns over the last 2 years with the high school our children attend
Hello ****, could you please elaborate on the nature of your concerns? Also, could you provide your location so I can give you information based on your local laws?
Massachusetts
Hello ****, thank you for your response. Could you please provide more details about the specific issues you're experiencing with the high school your children attend? This will help me provide more accurate information.
Last February we approached the school asking for advice with our daughter. The called Dcf on us. The case was closed in 12 days. The school had made bad choices. We tried to address our concerns with the superintendent. He cut our meeting short and asked us to email our concerns. We never got a response. We feel every time we approach the school we’re dismissed
I'm sorry to hear about your situation, ****. In Massachusetts, you have the right to:
- File a complaint with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- Seek mediation or initiate a due process hearing.
- Consult with a legal professional for more advice.
Remember, these are generally applicable rights and your particular circumstances might alter these options.
Last year a guidance counselor was advising our 16 year old daughter to file for emancipation because she didn’t like our rules
I'm sorry to hear that, ****. In Massachusetts, minors can petition for emancipation, but courts usually grant it in exceptional circumstances. As parents, you have the right to:
- Discuss the issue with the school board or principal
- Consult with an attorney if you believe the counselor's advice was inappropriate.