A strong recommendation letter helps a college, scholarship or program see the student behind the grades. The best ones are specific, honest and short.
Below are 6 free high school student recommendation letter samples from a teacher, counselor, coach, employer and volunteer supervisor. After them, use the free builder to write your own letter, then print it or copy it.
AdvertisementAll names are fictional, and the school and organization names are placeholders. Replace every detail with your own true information, and write only what you have seen yourself.
6 High School Student Recommendation Letter Samples
Quick jump: TeacherCounselorCoachEmployerVolunteerSummer program
Teacher Recommendation for College
English Teacher, [School Name]
susan.hall@email.com | (555) 010-0128
October 29, 2026
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Jordan Ellis, who was a student in my honors English class for two years. In that time, Jordan has been one of the most thoughtful writers I have taught.
Jordan holds a 3.9 grade point average and always arrives prepared. Jordan’s analysis of a novel we read in the fall was so strong that I shared it with the class as a model. Jordan also tutors two classmates before exams, and both improved by a full letter grade.
Jordan is curious, honest and persistent. I believe Jordan will contribute to your campus both in and out of the classroom.
Please contact me at susan.hall@email.com or (555) 010-0128 if you would like more information.
Sincerely,
Susan Hall
Counselor Recommendation for a Scholarship
School Counselor, [School Name]
david.miller@email.com | (555) 010-0136
October 29, 2026
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to support Emily Parker’s application for your scholarship. I have worked with Emily as her counselor for three years.
Emily ranks in the top 10 percent of her class, takes two advanced courses each year and works 12 hours a week at a family business. She has still found time to organize a food drive that collected more than 400 items.
Emily sets goals, plans carefully and follows through. I am confident she will use your support well.
I am glad to answer questions at david.miller@email.com or (555) 010-0136.
Sincerely,
David Miller
Coach Recommendation for Leadership
Head Track Coach, [School Name]
brian.foster@email.com | (555) 010-0144
October 29, 2026
To Whom It May Concern:
I am happy to recommend Marcus Hill, who has run on our track team for three seasons and served as team captain this year.
Marcus attends every practice, helps younger runners learn drills and has lowered his own 800-meter time by 9 seconds. When a teammate was injured, he organized rides and kept her involved with the team.
Marcus leads by example and is respected by teammates and staff. I recommend him with confidence.
You are welcome to call me at (555) 010-0144 or email brian.foster@email.com.
Sincerely,
Brian Foster
Employer Recommendation for a Part-Time Job
Linda Moore
Store Manager, [Business Name]
linda.moore@email.com | (555) 010-0152
October 29, 2026
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to recommend Emma Davis, who has worked as a cashier and stock clerk at our store for the past year, about 15 hours a week.
Emma has been on time for every shift, handles customer questions with patience and was named employee of the month in March. She learned our register system in two days and now trains new hires.
She is honest, dependable and always willing to help. I would gladly hire her again.
Please contact me at linda.moore@email.com or (555) 010-0152.
Sincerely,
Linda Moore
Volunteer Supervisor Recommendation
Robert Hayes
Volunteer Coordinator, [Organization Name]
robert.hayes@email.com | (555) 010-0163
October 29, 2026
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Sophia Turner, who has volunteered with our community center for two years, giving more than 150 hours.
Sophia tutors elementary students in reading twice a week and helped plan our summer program for 40 children. She is kind, organized and takes initiative without being asked.
Her service reflects strong character and a real desire to help others. I recommend her without reservation.
I can be reached at robert.hayes@email.com or (555) 010-0163.
Sincerely,
Robert Hayes
Recommendation for a Summer Program
Karen Walsh
Science Teacher, [School Name]
karen.walsh@email.com | (555) 010-0171
October 29, 2026
Dear Program Director,
I am writing to recommend Ethan Brooks for your summer science program. Ethan was a student in my chemistry class this year and earned the highest grade in the course.
Ethan designed his own experiment on water quality for the school science fair and placed second out of 60 projects. He works well in a lab team, asks careful questions and cleans up after everyone.
Ethan is ready for the challenge of your program, and I believe he will contribute to it.
Please feel free to contact me at karen.walsh@email.com or (555) 010-0171.
Sincerely,
Karen Walsh
Free High School Student Recommendation Letter Builder
Step 1. Who is writing the letter?
Step 2. What should the letter highlight?
Step 3. Tap the lines that are true for you. Three to five is plenty.
Step 4. Click any text in the letter and type to make it yours.
Replace the names, school and numbers with your own. Include only what you have seen yourself.
Teacher, [School Name]
susan.hall@email.com | (555) 010-0128
October 29, 2026
Dear Admissions Committee,
Dear Scholarship Committee,
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to recommend Jordan Ellis, who was a student in my English class at [School Name] for two years. I have known Jordan as a thoughtful and dependable student.
I am pleased to recommend Jordan Ellis, whom I have coached on the school track team for three seasons. I have seen Jordan grow into one of our most respected athletes.
I am happy to recommend Jordan Ellis, who has worked part time for me for the past year. Jordan has been one of the most reliable people on my team.
Jordan earns top marks and asks questions that push the whole class to think harder.
Jordan leads by example, welcomes new members and keeps others motivated when things get hard.
Jordan is honest, kind and respectful, and classmates and adults trust Jordan’s word.
Jordan prepares for every class and finishes work ahead of deadlines.
Jordan has kept a 3.9 grade point average while taking honors courses.
Jordan led a group of 12 students on a school service project.
Jordan works well with others and shares credit freely.
Jordan often starts projects without being asked.
In two years Jordan has never missed a deadline.
Jordan treats classmates and staff with kindness.
Jordan has grown more confident each semester.
Jordan also volunteers at weekend community events.
One example is when Jordan helped a struggling classmate pass a major exam.
I believe Jordan is ready for the challenges of the next step.
Please contact me if you would like more information.
I recommend Jordan with confidence.
Sincerely,
Susan Hall
To save your letter: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the letter prints. To copy it, select the text inside the letter and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
How to Write a Great Recommendation Letter
| Part | What to write |
|---|---|
| Your details | Name, role, school or organization, email and phone |
| Greeting | The committee or program by name, or To Whom It May Concern |
| Introduction | How long and in what setting you know the student |
| Strengths | Academics, work ethic, leadership, character |
| Example | One real moment with a result or number |
| Closing | A clear recommendation and an offer to talk |
- Start with your information. Include your name, role, school or organization and contact details.
- Address the reader. Name the committee or person if you know it.
- Introduce the student. Say how you know the student and for how long.
- Highlight academics. Mention class performance, participation and skills.
- Mention activities. Clubs, sports or volunteering can show leadership and teamwork.
- Share a personal example. A short story shows character and work ethic.
- Conclude strongly. Restate your recommendation and offer to answer questions.
- Sign off. Repeat your name and contact information.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Vague praise. Replace “hard worker” with an example.
- Repeating the transcript. Add what grades do not show.
- Exaggeration. Write only what you have seen.
- Making it too long. One page is enough.
- Typos. Proofread twice and read the letter aloud.
Letter Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. Your letter is ready when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a high school student recommendation letter be?
One page, about 250 to 400 words, in three or four short paragraphs.
What specific qualities should I highlight?
Choose two or three that you have seen yourself, such as academic ability, work ethic, leadership, teamwork, kindness and reliability, and back each with an example.
Should I use a formal tone?
Yes. Keep the tone professional and warm, and write in complete sentences. Address the committee by name if you know it.
Can I include personal anecdotes?
Yes. A short story about a specific moment, such as helping a classmate or leading a project, shows character better than general praise.
Is it acceptable to decline writing a recommendation?
Yes. If you do not know the student well enough or cannot write a positive letter honestly, it is better to politely decline.
Who should write a high school student recommendation letter?
A teacher, coach, counselor, employer or volunteer supervisor who knows the student’s work well and can give specific examples.
What should I include in the opening?
Say who you are, how you know the student, for how long, and what the letter supports, such as a college, scholarship or program.
How much should I mention grades?
One or two facts are enough if the student is willing to share them. Focus on effort, curiosity and growth, which grades alone do not show.
Should the student see the letter?
That depends on the application. Some applications ask the writer to keep it confidential, so follow the instructions you are given.
How should I send the letter?
Follow the application’s instructions. Many programs use an online form, and others accept a signed PDF or a sealed paper letter.
Conclusion
A good recommendation letter is specific, warm and honest. Use the samples and builder above to write yours. Students can also see our high school student cover letter sample.
Related Reading
- High school student cover letter sample
- Recommendation letter for high school student entering college
- Nursing student recommendation letter sample
- Recommendation letter for students entering high school
- Recommendation letter from employer for graduate school
- College recommendation letter from employer
Note: Samples are fictional and general writing guidance. This page does not guarantee admission, a scholarship or a job.