How to Write a Strong High School Letter of Recommendation

Have you been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a high school student? If so, you’re doing something meaningful. A strong reference letter can open doors for high school students who are applying for jobs, internships, or academic programs. Since many high school students don’t have much work experience, your support can make a big difference in helping them stand out.

To write a helpful and effective letter, you’ll need the right details. Below, you’ll find tips on what to include and how to structure your letter so it highlights the student’s strengths in the best way.

How to write a recommendation letter for a high school student

If the high school student needs the letter for a job, ask for the job description, the employer’s name and contact info, and a copy of their resume (if they have one). If they don’t have a resume, ask for a list of their school activities, awards, or volunteer work. This background info will help you write a more personal and detailed letter.

What to include in the letter

Your recommendation should clearly cover these points:

How you know the student
How long you’ve known them
What the student has achieved
Why you believe they’re a good fit
How someone can reach you for questions

In the body of the letter, focus on the qualities that match what the college or employer is looking for. Use examples that show their work habits, attitude, and skills.

Finish by saying you recommend the student and would be happy to share more if needed. Even if the student hasn’t held a job before, you can still write a strong recommendation based on what you’ve seen from them in school, clubs, or other activities.

Let your words reflect your real experience with the student, and your letter could help them take the next big step.

Sample character reference letter for a high school student

Here’s a clear and easy-to-follow sample character reference letter for a high school student. This can be used for jobs, internships, or scholarship applications. View more recommendation letter examples.

Download this template (.docx)

Copy paste character reference letter for a high school student

Your Name
Title
School/Organization Name
Email Address
Phone Number

Date

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to recommend (Student’s Full Name), a student I have known for the past (X years) at (School Name). As (your role – for example, their teacher, coach, or club advisor), I’ve had the chance to watch (Student’s First Name) grow into a responsible, hardworking, and kind individual.

(Student’s First Name) consistently shows strong character, honesty, and a positive attitude. They treat others with respect and are always willing to help classmates, teachers, and anyone who needs support. Whether working on group projects, volunteering, or leading in student activities, they show reliability and leadership beyond their years.

One thing that stands out about (Student’s First Name) is their ability to stay calm and focused, even under pressure. I’ve seen them handle challenges with maturity and a clear mind, which is rare at their age. They are also very dependable, if they say they’ll do something, you can count on them to follow through.

I have no doubt that (Student’s First Name) will bring these same strong values and work ethic to any opportunity they pursue. I highly recommend them and believe they will be a great addition to your program or team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Title

Sample recommendation letter for a high school job

The following is an example of a recommendation letter for a high school student applying for a job. It’s written in a simple, direct style that fits a part-time or entry-level job application.

Your Name
Title
School/Organization Name
Email Address
Phone Number

Date

To Whom It May Concern,

I’m pleased to recommend (Student’s Full Name) for a part-time job position. I have known (Student’s First Name) for the past (X years) as their (teacher, counselor, coach, etc.) at (School Name), and I can confidently say they are one of the most responsible and dependable students I’ve worked with.

(Student’s First Name) is mature, respectful, and has a strong work ethic. They show up on time, follow directions carefully, and always do their best, whether it’s in the classroom or during school events. I’ve seen them work well with both adults and peers, always showing kindness and patience.

They are also great at managing their time. Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities has made them organized and focused. I believe these qualities will help them succeed in any workplace.

I strongly recommend (Student’s First Name) for any entry-level position. They are eager to learn, easy to work with, and take their responsibilities seriously. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Title

Conclusion

Writing a strong high school letter of recommendation doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on being honest, specific, and supportive. Share real examples that highlight the student’s strengths, and keep your letter clear and well-organized. Whether they’re applying for college, a job, or a scholarship, your words can help open new doors for them. Take the time to make your letter personal and thoughtful, it could make all the difference in their future.

Sara Duerr

Sara has been in the career development field for over 10 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share. She covers topics such as resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, career planning, and more. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Medium. She has curated our free downloadable resume templates for Word and resume templates for Google Docs.