Privacy Concerns NOVA: Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington
12/22/25 Update: Prince William families affected by the privacy breach should expect no further communication from Hazel Health.
HEAV has been advised that the following parent contact information disclosed to Hazel Health has been destroyed: name, mobile phone number, email address, physical address, guardian status, relationship to the student, and contact order preference. Student information disclosed included student ID, district ID, state testing ID, name, gender, birth date, grade level, and details related to the child’s school including school code, school name, and school address.
Additionally, PWCS indicates that it has corrected the data file and updated internal processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. PWCS and Hazel Health sincerely apologize for this error and inconvenience.
ATTENTION NOVA DISTRICTS OF FAIRFAX, PRINCE WILLIAM, AND ARLINGTON COUNTY: As homeschool families raise concerns about three recent privacy-related investigations in Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington Counties, many have asked what they can do to address ongoing safety and privacy concerns in their districts.
First, connect with HEAV to stay informed about important updates through our blog and social media.
Second, understand the law. Homeschool minors and their families are protected under state privacy law, § 22.1-254.1(G). Since Virginia’s home instruction and religious exemption laws are administered by local superintendents and school boards, public school districts are responsible for understanding applicable privacy laws and protecting homeschooled children and their families by adhering strictly to those laws.
Third, homeschool families in the Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington public school divisions can contact their school boards and legislators to express concerns.
In support of this effort, we provide the following text:
Dear School Board Members / Delegate [Last Name] / Senator [Last Name],
As a homeschool parent, I am writing to bring to your attention recent communications I have received from an external vendor that has partnered with the public school division.
My family’s information is protected by state privacy law, § 22.1-254.1(G). The law states:
“No division superintendent or local school board shall disclose to the Department or any other person or entity outside of the local school division information that is provided by a parent or student to satisfy the requirements of this section or subdivision B 1 of § 22.1-254. However, a division superintendent or local school board may disclose, with the written consent of a student’s parent, such information to the extent provided by the parent’s consent.”
The school division did not obtain my written consent, as required by law, to authorize the release or exchange of my family’s data with this vendor. Nonetheless, the vendor has contacted me directly on multiple occasions, indicating that protected information may have been disclosed.
I request an immediate investigation and explanation regarding this occurrence, along with an action plan to address any risk of privacy violations and safeguard the safety and privacy of my minor child(ren) and family.
Thank you, and I look forward to your prompt response.
Fourth, support HEAV’s work to protect your family’s safety and privacy. HEAV works tirelessly at both the local and state levels to protect the safety and privacy rights of homeschool families across Virginia. Our work includes direct engagement with public school divisions, collaboration with regulatory agencies and advisory organizations, outreach to school board leadership, superintendents, and school personnel, monitoring public school board agendas statewide, and legislative advocacy to ensure that homeschool families’ statutorily protected information is handled responsibly and in line with state law.
Legal guidance note: HSLDA members may contact their attorney directly for guidance regarding their family’s situation.
Parents are their children’s primary and strongest advocates. By staying informed through HEAV, understanding your rights under state law, and engaging with school officials and legislators when necessary, you help protect your family’s privacy and safety.
HEAV is here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions or need assistance, call our office at 804-278-9200 or email support@heav.org.
Best regards,
Patricia Beahr
Director of Government Relations
