Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Shantiniketan International School ("we," "us," "our," or "School") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our website and in your interactions with our institution. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our website or services.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect information about you in a variety of ways. The information we may collect on the site includes:

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

• Admission Enquiry Forms: When you submit an admission enquiry, we collect your name, email address, phone number, child's name, age, and class/grade of interest.
• Contact Forms: Name, email, phone number, and message content when you contact us through our website.
• Student Registration: When enrolling, we collect personal information about students and parents including identification documents, medical records, and emergency contacts.
• Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address when you subscribe to our newsletter.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: Browser type, IP address, and operating system.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, and clickstream data.
• Cookies: We use cookies to enhance your experience and track user preferences.

2.3 Third-Party Information

We may receive information about you from third parties such as payment processors and analytics providers.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes:

• Processing admission enquiries and applications
• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Sending newsletters, updates, and promotional materials (with your consent)
• Improving our website and services
• Managing student records and academic performance
• Communicating important information about school activities and events
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security
• Analyzing website usage patterns to enhance user experience

4. How We Protect Your Information

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• SSL encryption for data transmitted over the internet
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security audits and updates
• Restricted access to personal information
• Password protection for accounts and systems

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, or as required by law. The retention period may vary depending on the context of the processing and our legal obligations.

• Admission Enquiries: Retained for up to 2 years
• Student Records: Retained throughout the student's tenure and for a period thereafter as required by regulations
• Website Analytics: Typically retained for up to 12 months
• Marketing Communications: Retained until you unsubscribe

6. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With third parties who provide services on our behalf (e.g., email service providers, payment processors, analytics platforms)
• Legal Compliance: When required by law or court order
• School Staff: Relevant information is shared with authorized school staff for legitimate educational purposes
• Parents/Guardians: Student information is shared with authorized parents/guardians

All third-party service providers are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Access: You can request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Right to Correction: You can request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Deletion: You can request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
• Right to Opt-Out: You can opt out of marketing communications at any time
• Right to Data Portability: You can request your information in a portable format

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and login information
• Understand how you use our website
• Display personalized content
• Measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites before providing your personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

We comply with applicable laws regarding children's privacy. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from children under the applicable age of digital consent without parental consent, we will take steps to delete such information and terminate the child's account.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from your home country. By providing your information to us, you consent to such transfers.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, and other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date and posting the revised policy on our website. Your continued use of the website following the posting of revised Privacy Policy means you accept and agree to the changes.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

14. Grievance Redressal

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us. We will investigate your complaint and respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to the relevant data protection authorities.