| In order to get your child’s cumulative records from the former school of attendance when you are beginning to homeschool under the private school (R-4) option, you can write the school a letter on school letterhead (it can be generated on the computer), advise them that your child is attending private school, and ask them to send a copy of the cumulative file to you. The Cum file includes transcripts for all grades attended, report cards and progress reports, disciplinary information and records, standardized testing participation and results, Individual Education Plan (IEP) if any, health records, psychological evaluations, speech and/or language evaluations, any other special education evaluations, and any other records the school has regarding your child. Many families have difficulty obtaining the Cum file through their private school. If you have not received the records within six weeks, send another request. If the file is not forthcoming after the next six weeks, you may wish to reconsider the necessity of obtaining the file. One of the primary reasons for obtaining the file is so that the school will close its file on your child. While you have a right to have this file, unless you have a legal reason for needing it, you may wish to let the matter drop so that you do not draw unwanted attention to your family. Since you do have a legal right to obtain your child’s records, both as a parent and as the child’s school, you may wish to consult with an attorney in order to obtain the files. Often, a well worded letter from your counsel will get you the documents you request. Here is a letter demonstrating how to do that most effectively:
Mondoerkrist Academy
0000 First Street
Davis, CA 95616 Administrator
Jean Smith January 12, 2001 Davis School
0001 First Street
Davis, CA 95616 Attn: Registrar
Re: Joan Smith
DoB: 1/1/1990 Dear Registrar: This letter is to inform you that Joan Smith, birthdate 1/1/1990, has been enrolled at Mondoerkrist Academy since January 8, 2001. Please send her cumulative file to this school at the above noted address, pursuant to California Education section 49068. Please include attendance records, transcripts for all grades attended, report cards and progress reports, disciplinary information and records, standardized testing participation and results, Individual Education Plan (IEP) if any, health records, psychological evaluations, speech and/or language evaluations, any other special education evaluations, and any other school records regarding the above-named student. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely,
Jean Smith
Administrator Education Code section 49068 provides: Whenever a pupil transfers from one school district to another or to a private school, or transfers from a private school to a school district within the state, the pupil’s permanent record or a copy thereof shall be transferred by the former district or private school upon a request from the district or private school where the pupil intends to enroll. Any school district requesting such a transfer of a record shall notify the parent of his right to receive a copy of the record and a right to a hearing to challenge the content of the record. The State Board of Education is hereby authorized to adopt rules and regulations concerning the transfer of records. | 
