If you are a parent whose child will be applying to private schools soon, you’ll want to make sure you have everything in order. One of the most important aspects of the application process is the letter of recommendation. This is where the school learns about your child’s academic and personality traits from someone who has worked closely with your child in the past. A letter of recommendation can make or break an application, so it’s important to put time and energy into this aspect of your child’s application.
Thankfully, you don’t have to start from scratch when it comes to crafting a letter of recommendation. Many private schools provide a template that you can use as a guide. These templates include the necessary sections of a letter of recommendation and give you an idea of what to include and how to format the letter. You can find examples of private school letter of recommendation templates online that you can edit to fit your child’s unique situation.
Of course, it’s important to remember that a template is just a guide. You should use it as a starting point but tailor the letter to reflect your child’s individual traits and accomplishments. You don’t want the letter to read like a fill-in-the-blank document. By taking the time to craft a thoughtful and authentic letter of recommendation, you can increase your child’s chances of being accepted into their top-choice private school.
If you’ve been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a student who’s applying to a private school, you might be wondering where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s the best structure for a private school letter of recommendation template.
Opening Paragraph
Start your letter with a brief introduction of yourself and your relationship with the student. Mention how long you’ve known them and what context you know them from. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter and gives the reader an idea of how well you know the student.
Body Paragraphs
In the body of the letter, you should focus on the student’s strengths and accomplishments. This is your opportunity to highlight their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal characteristics that make them stand out from the crowd. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points and provide context for your observations.
If possible, connect your observations to the values and mission of the school. Mention specific programs or initiatives that align with the student’s interests or values. This helps to make a strong case that the student is a good fit for the school.
You don’t need to address every aspect of the student’s life in the letter, just the ones that are most relevant to their application. If there are any areas where the student struggles, you can acknowledge them briefly but focus on their strengths and potential.
Closing Paragraph
In your closing paragraph, summarize your observations and express your support for the student’s application. Reiterate your confidence in their abilities and potential, and encourage the admissions committee to give them serious consideration.
Final Thoughts
When writing a letter of recommendation for a private school, it’s important to be honest, specific, and supportive. Focus on the student’s strengths and accomplishments, provide concrete examples to back up your observations, and connect your observations to the values and mission of the school. With the right structure and approach, your letter can help the student stand out and increase their chances of being accepted.
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is my honor to recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [Name of School]. As [his/her] [Subject] teacher, I have been fortunate to witness [his/her] academic growth. [Student’s Name] consistently displayed a strong passion for learning, an eagerness to participate in class discussions, and a positive attitude towards tackling challenging coursework.
Moreover, [he/she] is a highly motivated student who takes initiative in seeking out new knowledge and ideas. [His/Her] inquisitive mind and analytical skills have been key to [his/her] success in [specific project or achievement]. I have no doubt that [Student’s Name] will continue to thrive academically and contribute positively to your school community.
Thank you for considering [Student’s Name] for admission to [Name of School].
[Your Name] ([Your Title])
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [Name of School]. I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] as [Position/Role] in [Name of Extracurricular Activity]. As [his/her] advisor/coach/mentor, I have seen [him/her] demonstrate extraordinary leadership, dedication and talent in [specific accomplishment or activity].
[Student’s Name] has consistently exhibited a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to growth and development. [He/She] motivates [his/her] peers to strive for excellence and exhibits a genuine interest in the success and well-being of others. [He/She] has been instrumental in [specific accomplishment or achievement], which demonstrated [his/her] ability to think creatively, solve problems, and work collaboratively.
I have no doubt that [Student’s Name] will make a significant contribution to [Name of School]’s extracurricular program and overall school community. Thank you for your consideration.
[Your Name] ([Your Title])
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [Name of School]. As [his/her] [Relationship to You], I have had the pleasure of getting to know [him/her] over the past [Years/Months] and can attest to [his/her] exceptional character.
[Student’s Name] is a person of integrity, honesty, and kindness. [He/She] consistently demonstrates respect for others, empathy, and a positive attitude towards life’s challenges. [His/Her] enthusiasm and energy are contagious, and [he/she] inspires those around [him/her] to be their best selves. [His/Her] humility, humor, and dedication to service and community make [him/her] a wonderful role model for both peers and faculty.
I have no doubt that [Student’s Name] will thrive academically and personally at [Name of School]. Thank you for considering [him/her] for admission.
[Your Name] ([Your Title])
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [Name of School]. As [his/her] [Relationship to You], I have had the opportunity to witness [his/her] incredible perseverance and determination in the face of significant challenges.
[Student’s Name] has [Specific Disability or Condition], which [Describe the Impact of the Disability or Condition]. Despite these challenges, [he/she] has developed [Specific Strength or Accommodations], which have enabled [him/her] to thrive academically and personally. [His/Her] courage, resilience, and spirit are truly inspiring, and [he/she] has been a positive influence on both peers and faculty.
I am confident that [Name of School] will provide [Student’s Name] with the necessary support and accommodations to continue [his/her] academic and personal growth. Thank you for your consideration.
[Your Name] ([Your Title])
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am proud to recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [Name of School]. As [his/her] [Position/Role] on the [Name of Sport] team, I have had the pleasure of coaching [him/her] for the past [Years/Months]. [Student’s Name] is an exceptional athlete and a true leader on and off the field/court/ice.
[He/She] has an outstanding work ethic, a passion for the game, and a fierce determination to succeed. [His/Her] skills, athleticism, and strategic thinking make [him/her] an asset to any team, and [he/she] has played an integral role in [specific accomplishment or achievement]. [Student’s Name] is a natural leader who sets a positive example for [his/her] teammates and peers.
I have no doubt that [Student’s Name] will continue to excel in [Name of Sport] and make a significant contribution to [Name of School]’s athletic program. Thank you for your consideration.
[Your Name] ([Your Title])
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [Name of School]. As [his/her] [Relationship to Student] and [Position/Role] in [Name of Fine Arts Program], I have been fortunate to work with [him/her] on a number of projects and performances over the past [Years/Months].
[Student’s Name] is an exceptional [Type of Artist] with a natural talent for [Specific Skill or Medium]. [He/She] has exhibited a strong creative vision and an ability to communicate [His/Her] ideas through [Specific Style or Genre]. [His/Her] artistic excellence has been recognized through [Specific Accomplishment or Award], and [he/she] is highly respected by [His/Her] peers and faculty.
I have no doubt that [Student’s Name] will make a significant contribution to [Name of School]’s fine arts program and overall school community. Thank you for your consideration.
[Your Name] ([Your Title])
Private schools generally require a letter of recommendation from someone who knows the student well, such as a teacher, counselor, or coach. If you’re writing a letter of recommendation for a student to attend a private school, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, it’s important to focus on the student’s strengths and achievements. Highlight their academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and any other relevant accomplishments. Be specific and provide examples whenever possible, as this will help the admissions committee get a better sense of the student’s abilities and potential.
Second, make sure your letter is well-organized and easy to read. Start with a brief introduction that explains who you are and how you know the student. Then, move on to the body of the letter, where you should provide details about the student’s strengths and achievements. Finally, conclude your letter with a summary of your recommendations and any additional information you think would be helpful.
Third, be honest in your assessment of the student, but also try to strike a positive tone. If there are areas where the student could improve, mention them but also provide suggestions for how they can do so. Avoid using overly negative language or making harsh criticisms, as this can reflect poorly on both you and the student.
Fourth, proofread your letter carefully before submitting it. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your writing is clear and concise. You may also want to have someone else read over your letter to provide feedback and catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Finally, remember that the purpose of your letter is to help the student gain admission to their desired private school. Keep this in mind throughout the writing process, and make sure your letter showcases the student’s strengths and potential in the best possible light.
We hope you’ve found this template helpful for crafting your own private school recommendation letters. Remember, each school has its own unique requirements, so feel free to customize our template to suit your specific needs. And if you need more guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further support. We’re always here to help, and we wish you the best of luck in your academic pursuits. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit us again soon for more helpful tips and advice!
