The letter of recommendation showcases a student’s character, abilities, morals, and interpersonal relationships at the high school level.
It is often written by a teacher, coach, counselor, or educator who has observed the student and spent a considerable amount of time with the student during their time in school or outside school hours.
It is often written in a concise, formal tone, explaining why the student will be a good fit for a job position or admission in a study program that the student is seeking by displaying the student’s activities, personality, accomplishments, and skills. The student will need to provide the necessary information that the teacher/recommender will require to write this letter, such as details about the job position that the student seeks or admission criteria. The teacher will fill the rest of the body of the letter with paragraphs describing the student.
This letter is often used to accompany work applications, college applications, or other positions requiring said letter to aid the student in acquiring that position or admission. It can also be used when a student is being transferred from one school to another. The letter will inform the new school about the student’s educational level and help them admit the student to the most suitable class.
High School Recommendation Letter Templates
Where a High School Student May Need a Recommendation Letter
A high school student may need a recommendation letter in many instances.
EXAMPLE
When the student needs to transfer from one institution to another, a recommendation letter may be needed. It is through this letter that the receiving teacher can know the type of student they are receiving. It is essential to know the strengths of a new student. Therefore, the recommendation would be necessary for placing the new student in the right class and group based on their strengths, which at this point is considered to be true as per the recommendation letter.
Additionally, high school students may need a recommendation letter when they want to join colleges. In case they want to start some training in small colleges immediately after high school, even before the high school results come out, the letter acts as a testimonial that the student in question is already done with their high school education.
Lastly, some people are lucky to start some small jobs before they pursue their degrees or diplomas. Such positions are a source of income and could also be used to pay for college and school fees. This, in this case, helps the students be considered for those positions.
Collect Information from the Student (Pre-writing Requirements)
Writing it is a time-consuming process that the teacher cannot do during their work hours. Thus, to make the process of writing the letter easier and faster for the teacher, the student will need to provide information regarding their grades and achievements, how the student has performed throughout the school years, and also provide the necessary information regarding the job position or school program that the student is applying for.
The recommender should acquire from the student the following before they write this letter:
Deadline for submission of the letter
The student should share the date by which it needs to be submitted and sent to the employer or the college where the student is applying. If more time is given before this date, it will prevent the letter from being rushed.
Details regarding the company or college applying for
The following information must be acquired from the student:
- The name of the company or college
- Where the letter needs to be sent, or email address in case of online applications.
- The contact information of the company or college, such as their phone number or email address
- The name of the person or department receiving the letter or the person’s name will interview the student. However, the name of the person who is conducting the interview is not always provided beforehand. Thus, the name of the interviewer is not necessarily included if it is not available.
Title and description
The teacher should also ask students to provide details about the position/subject that they are applying for.
Skills and qualifications
Ask about the skills and qualifications required by the company and any eligibility criteria that the student is required to comply with.
Resume
The student’s resume is preferred, even if the student does not have any work experience. However, mentioning the activities and accomplishments that the student has done can be sufficient.
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
It is written in a brief and formal manner to assist the student in being a more compelling applicant, whether the student is applying for a job, volunteering, or applying for a place in a college.
It consists of three sections, mainly:
Section 1: Introduction
It will start by listing the information regarding both the teacher recommending the student and the company or college that the student is applying to.
The required information is in this order:
The information of the recommender
Firstly, personal information is written, stating the name and title, home or school address, and contact information (phone number, email, and mail address). The date of drafting the letter is also written.
Name and title
Secondly, the name and title of the person, who will be receiving the letter, should be mentioned.
Name of college or company
Afterward, the name of the college or company that the student is applying for is stated, along with their address, including the city, state, and zip code.
Section 2: Body
This is the most crucial part of the letter. It should be written to convince the organization to accept the applicant as a student or an employee.
The title and description of the job position/admission program
A brief description of the position/subject is sufficient. Simply acknowledging the position applied for can be enough to make the letter seem authentic and genuine, regardless of whether the letter is intended for a job position or a different high school.
EXAMPLE
“I am writing this letter about (student’s name) who is applying for a place in your English honors class.”
The relationship between the teacher and the student is stated
The relationship between both the teacher and student is described briefly, including where and for how long.
EXAMPLE
“I have known (student’s name) for two years during mathematics classes during which the student exhibited excellent behavior and maintained high grades throughout the years.”
The applicant’s skills and qualifications
The student’s skills also need to be mentioned to convince the company or college that they can benefit from the student’s set of skills.
EXAMPLE
“(student’s name) has shown a capacity to aid others when they are in need. He has also shown that he is always eager to improve himself. I believe his set of skills and personality will be beneficial in a position/ school program.”
Reasons for recommendation
Any other good qualities should be mentioned, explaining why the student is recommended for the program or position.
EXAMPLE
“(student’s name) is competent. If their presence in class is to represent their personality and skills, then I am sure that they will be of benefit to you.”
Recommender’s contact details for follow-up questions
The recommender’s phone number or email is to be provided towards the end of the letter to encourage further contact regarding questions about the student.
EXAMPLE
“If you require any further information or have any questions regarding (student’s name), then contact me at (teacher’s phone number and email address).”
Section 3: Closing
At the end of the letter, the name and signature of the recommender should be added. There will be a space left for this purpose.
Free Templates
Recommendation Letter Template
[Your Full Name]
[Your Position/Title]
[Your Department/School Name, if applicable]
[Institution/Organization Name]
[Address Line 1]
[Address Line 2]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Recipient’s Name or “To Whom It May Concern,” if the recipient is unknown]
[Recipient’s Title/Position, if known]
[Institution/Organization Name]
[Address Line 1]
[Address Line 2]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient’s Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Student’s Full Name] for [specific program, scholarship, position, college admission, etc.]. As [Your Relationship to the Student, e.g., “their high school teacher for X subject,” “the coordinator of their volunteer program,” etc.], I have had the pleasure of witnessing [Student’s First Name]’s remarkable growth and achievements over the past [number of years/months] and feel confident in their abilities to excel in this new opportunity.
[Student’s First Name] stands out for their [mention two or three qualities, such as dedication, leadership, creativity, etc.], which they have consistently demonstrated through [specific examples]. For instance, [describe an instance where the student showed these qualities, linking it to the relevance of the opportunity they are seeking].
Academically, [Student’s First Name] has shown exceptional prowess, particularly in [mention any relevant subjects or areas of interest]. Their ability to grasp complex concepts, combined with a genuine curiosity for learning, sets them apart. [Include a specific achievement or project if applicable, highlighting the student’s skills and work ethic].
Beyond the classroom, [Student’s First Name] has actively contributed to our school community through [mention extracurricular activities, volunteer work, sports, clubs, etc.]. Their role in [describe a specific role or achievement] underscores their [highlight qualities such as leadership, teamwork, service orientation, etc.], proving their readiness for the challenges and responsibilities that come with [the opportunity they are applying for].
[Optional paragraph: Discuss any challenges the student has overcome, demonstrating their resilience, growth, and positive attitude. This can add depth to the student’s character and showcase their determination and strength.]
In conclusion, [Student’s First Name]’s blend of academic excellence, personal integrity, and commitment to their pursuits makes them an outstanding candidate for [mention the opportunity again, such as “your undergraduate program,” “the XYZ scholarship,” etc.]. I am confident that [Student’s First Name] will not only benefit from this opportunity but will also contribute meaningfully to your [program/organization/school]. I strongly endorse their application and welcome any further questions regarding their candidacy.
Thank you for considering my recommendation.
Warm regards,
[Your Signature (if sending a hard copy)]
[Your Typed Name]
[Your Position/Title]
[Your Contact Information]
High School Student Recommendation Letters
SAMPLE 1
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend my student, Sarah Johnson, who is transferring to Maplewood High School due to her family’s relocation to Riverside. As Sarah’s English teacher for the past two years at Lincoln High School, I have had the pleasure of observing her academic growth, character development, and contributions to our school community. I am confident that Sarah will bring the same level of enthusiasm, dedication, and excellence to Maplewood High School.
Sarah has consistently demonstrated exceptional abilities in English Literature and Composition, showcasing a deep understanding of various genres, critical thinking skills, and a natural flair for creative writing. Her analytical essays on Shakespearean dramas and contemporary literature have been exemplary, reflecting her ability to engage with complex texts and articulate her insights with clarity and sophistication.
Beyond her academic achievements, Sarah has been an active participant in our school’s extracurricular activities. She served as the secretary of the Student Government Association, where she displayed remarkable leadership and organizational skills. Her ability to collaborate with peers, faculty, and administration to coordinate school events and community service projects speaks volumes about her commitment and ability to positively impact those around her.
Sarah’s resilience and adaptability are among her most commendable qualities. Despite facing the challenges of her upcoming relocation, she has maintained a positive attitude and continued to excel in her studies and extracurricular commitments. Her ability to embrace change with optimism and grace assures me that she will transition smoothly into her new environment at Maplewood High School.
In summary, Sarah is a motivated, responsible, and talented student who will undoubtedly contribute positively to Maplewood High School’s academic and community life. I wholeheartedly support her transfer and am confident that she will continue to achieve and exceed expectations in her new setting.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 987-6543 or arichardson@lincolnhs.edu should you require further information or wish to discuss Sarah’s application in more detail.
Thank you for considering my recommendation.
Sincerely,
Ms. Angela Richardson
English Teacher
Lincoln High School
SAMPLE 2
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend my student, Michael Thompson, for admission to Prestige University. As Michael’s Advanced Placement Calculus teacher for the past year at Westview High School, I have witnessed firsthand his exceptional mathematical abilities, relentless work ethic, and profound commitment to personal and academic growth.
Michael has consistently stood out as a top performer in a class of highly capable students. His aptitude for complex problem-solving, coupled with his genuine enthusiasm for mathematics, has not only earned him the highest grades in my class but also the respect of his peers. Michael’s keen insights and contributions during class discussions often elevate the level of discourse, fostering a richer learning environment for everyone.
Beyond his academic prowess, Michael has demonstrated remarkable leadership and initiative outside the classroom. He is the president of our school’s Math Club, where he organizes weekly meetings, tutoring sessions, and prepares the team for regional and national mathematics competitions. Under his leadership, the club has seen increased participation and has achieved its highest-ever placements in these events.
What sets Michael apart, however, is his unwavering dedication to community service. He has volunteered over 200 hours at the local community center, providing free tutoring to students in underserved neighborhoods. His ability to simplify complex mathematical concepts and his patience and encouragement have made a significant impact on these students’ academic performance and self-confidence.
Michael’s intellectual curiosity, combined with his ambition to leverage his knowledge to make a positive difference, aligns perfectly with Prestige University’s ethos of fostering academic excellence and societal contribution. I am confident that Michael will not only thrive in the challenging academic environment at Prestige University but will also enrich the campus community with his leadership, compassion, and drive for positive change.
I strongly endorse Michael Thompson’s application for admission to Prestige University and am eager to see the contributions he will undoubtedly make to your academic community. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for considering Michael’s application.
Sincerely,
Mr. David Bennett
AP Calculus Teacher
Westview High School
dbennett@westviewhigh.edu
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Final Thoughts
A teacher writes this recommendation letter for a high school student to aid the student in getting a good job position or secure admission in a school program where a teacher’s recommendation is valuable for showcasing the student’s skills and accomplishments. The letter often accompanies any applications that the student submits, such as a job offer, a college application, or volunteering at an organization. The letter will include information about the recommender, information about the organization, and a description of the student’s achievements and capabilities, all while providing a reason why the student earned such a recommendation from the teacher.
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