Parent Rights: Curriculum & Instruction

Under the California Education Code, parents and guardians have specific rights related to their child’s curriculum and instructional materials.

Right to Review Curriculum Materials

Ed. Code §§ 51101, 51938

Parents/guardians have the right to examine the curriculum materials of any class their child will attend. 

Religious Belief-Based Exemptions

Ed. Code § 51240

If any portion of a school’s instruction in health conflicts with the religious training and beliefs (including moral convictions) of the parent/guardian, the student shall be excused from that part of the instruction.

Surveys and Questionnaires

Ed. Code § 51513

In grades 1-12, schools may not administer any survey, test, or questionnaire containing questions about the pupil’s or parent’s personal beliefs or practices on sex, family life, morality, or religion without prior written notification and affirmative written permission from the parent/guardian.

Opt-Out of Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

Ed. Code § 51938(a)

Parents/guardians may opt their child out of comprehensive sexual health instruction. School districts must provide at least 14 days’ notice prior to the start of the instruction. Parents must submit a written request to excuse their child. Without this written request, the child will be included in the instruction.

Requests Based on Religious Beliefs

Parents/guardians may request to excuse their child from specific instructional content that substantially conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs.

If you have questions about your rights, curriculum, or instructional materials, please contact your school principal.