Applications - Teacher Recommendations and Transcripts

Teacher recommendations and transcripts are an important part of the applications process. They have to be handled according to each school's very specific instructions. They are the evidence the school needs to substantiate and all oral or written statements about your child. These documents are not hearsay or anecdotal. They are professional opinions and records which the school needs to review.

Teacher Recommendations

Most schools require your child's current math and English teachers to complete a teacher recommendation form. These are fairly detailed evaluations of your child's efforts and abilities in these core subject areas. They take about 15-20 minutes for the teacher to complete. So be thoughtful and considerate of the current teacher's time by giving him these forms to complete well in advance of any deadlines.

You typically will download the teacher recommendation forms. You complete the information at the top of the form, then hand the blank form to your child's teacher. Be sure to include an envelope addressed directly to the school's admissions office. Stamp the envelope before you give it to the teacher. Remind the teacher to submit the recommendation forms as soon as possible, in any event no later than December 31 for mid-January deadlines.

Note: you waive your right to review or even see what the teacher writes in her evaluation. This information is strictly confidential.

Here are some examples of the forms:

From Miss Porter's:

From Shattuck-St. Mary's:

Transcripts

Schools need certified copies of grades and report cards. These are known as transcripts. You will sign a transcript release form which give your current school permission to release this confidential information to the school you designate. Some schools use a separate form for this purpose. Others combine it with the Guidance Counsellor Recommendation form.

From St. Mary's School

Guidance Counselor Recommendation

From Middlesex

Please ask a school official to send directly to us a transcript through the current marking period of this year.
Submit updated grades through January.

Once again you need to stay on top of the applications process and all its deadlines. Use the Application Calendar to help you stay organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical time required for a teacher to complete a recommendation form for public school applications?

A teacher recommendation form usually takes about 15–20 minutes for the teacher to complete.

Which teachers are commonly asked to complete recommendation forms for public school applications?

Most schools require your child's current math and English teachers to complete teacher recommendation forms.

By what date should teacher recommendation forms be submitted for mid–January public school application deadlines?

Teachers should submit recommendation forms no later than December 31 for mid–January deadlines.

What does a transcript include and who must release it for public school applications?

A transcript includes certified copies of grades and report cards, and you sign a transcript release form giving your current school permission to send it.

Are parents allowed to see what teachers write in the recommendation forms for public school applications?

Parents waive their right to review or see what the teacher writes, as the evaluation is strictly confidential.