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API documentation

Smrt English Client API

A read-only API that returns student and class records to your institution’s systems. Each API key only reaches its own institution’s data.

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How it works

How a request works.

Your system asks for a student or a class with its own API key, and the API returns the records read-only.

Your systemYour student information system or reporting tool.
Your API keySent with every request and tied to your school.
Smrt English APIRead-only endpoints for students and classes.
Your recordsGrades, attendance and class rosters as JSON.
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Smrt English API

security Security & Permissions

Institutional Data Isolation

The API enforces strict institutional-level security:

  • Single Institution Access: Your API key only accesses data for students enrolled at your institution
  • Automatic Filtering: All database queries automatically filter by institution
  • Cross-Institution Protection: Attempts to access other institutions' data return 404 (Not Found)
  • Privacy Guarantee: Complete data separation between institutions

Data Access Rules

  1. Student Lookup: Only students enrolled at your institution can be retrieved
  2. Class Lookup: Only classes from your institution can be retrieved
  3. Email Matching: Email lookups are restricted to your institution's students and teachers
  4. Course Data: Only shows courses/classes where your students are enrolled
  5. Assignment Data: Only completed assignments are included in responses
  6. Assessment Data: Only assessments the student has taken are returned

Best Security Practices

1. Protect Your API Key

  • Never commit API keys to version control or share in public forums
  • Don't expose keys in client-side JavaScript or mobile apps
  • Use environment variables or secure configuration management
  • Store keys securely with appropriate access controls
  • If you believe your key has been compromised, contact Smrt English immediately

2. Use HTTPS

  • Always use HTTPS in production environments
  • Never send API keys over unencrypted connections
  • Verify SSL certificates to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks

3. Rate Limiting

  • Be respectful of API resources
  • Implement caching on your side when appropriate
  • Avoid unnecessary repeated requests for the same data
  • Contact Smrt English if you need high-volume access

4. Error Handling

  • Don't expose API keys in error messages or logs
  • Log errors securely on your server
  • Handle authentication failures gracefully
  • Implement appropriate retry logic with exponential backoff

5. Access Control Within Your Institution

  • Limit which systems and personnel can use the API key
  • Monitor API usage for suspicious activity
  • Implement appropriate logging and auditing on your side
  • Report any security concerns to Smrt English immediately