Teacher Recommendations 101: When and How to Ask For Teacher Recommendations
November is officially here and families applying to independent schools are entering one of the most important parts of the admissions process: teacher recommendations. These letters play a key role in helping admissions committees understand who your child is as a learner, a classmate, and a community member.
If your family is in this phase, November is the perfect time to start organizing your child’s recommendation requests. Getting an early start helps your teachers feel appreciated and supported while ensuring schools receive thoughtful, timely feedback.
Here’s how to approach the process with respect, preparation, and confidence.
Why Teacher Recommendations Matter
Teacher recommendations offer schools a well-rounded picture of your child beyond grades and test scores. Teachers provide insights into how your child approaches challenges, engages with peers, and contributes to the classroom community.
Admissions teams value these perspectives because they reveal the “whole child” - their curiosity, resilience, kindness, and enthusiasm for learning. A strong recommendation helps confirm that your child would be a great fit in their new school environment.
Which Teachers to Ask for Recommendation Letters
For younger children, the schools will ask for their homeroom teacher. Sometimes the schools will ask for two letters of recommendation. If your child only has one teacher, a recommendation from their previous year’s teacher will be accepted by some schools. Schools require a letter from the math and English teacher for the middle and high school applicants.
If your child is a bit older, consider one additional recommendation. This extra letter should only be written if the 3rd person can provide a different or new perspective about your child. A coach, music teacher or language teacher could be appropriate. Too many letters does not make a stronger application!
How (and When) to Ask for Teacher Recommendations
Timing matters! Early to mid-November is ideal - before the winter rush of report cards, conferences, and holidays. Teachers will appreciate having plenty of time to write thoughtful recommendations.
Whenever possible, ask in person rather than over email. A face-to-face (or even brief virtual) conversation communicates genuine gratitude and respect for their time.
Let them know which schools you’re applying to and what stands out about each. This context helps teachers tailor their comments to the environments where your child will shine.
How to Submit Teacher Recommendation Forms
Before sending any electronic forms or portal requests, contact the teacher first. A quick note or conversation gives them a heads-up and avoids any surprise emails from school platforms.
Provide clear details about the process and deadlines, and check if they need any additional information. Many schools use a common recommendation form, some on their own school platform and some on a common platform (i.e. Ravenna or SAO). Please specify what each teacher should expect for each school.
A gentle reminder before the deadline is perfectly fine, but always express appreciation rather than pressure.
What Information to Give Teachers for Recommendation Letters
Some parents consider providing information in order to ease the work for the teacher. Although this is considerate, schools prefer the teachers to complete these forms completely from the teacher’s perspective in their classroom. These letters are 100% confidential and a key part of the admissions process and parents' voices should not play a role in this aspect of the application.
When to Reach Out for Extra Support
If you’re unsure what information to share with teachers or want help coordinating your child’s recommendation materials, our team at School First is here to help! We work closely with families to develop admissions strategies, organize materials, and ensure each step of the process feels manageable and aligned.
Teacher recommendations are an important piece of the puzzle, and with thoughtful planning, they can truly showcase your child’s unique strengths and personality.
If you’d like guidance on what to include, how to communicate with teachers, or how to organize your application materials, reach out to School First.