How to Write a Class Absence Email for High Schoolers

Written By Minna Chow

Edited By Kaylee Kim and Krithika Rajesh

Missing class? We all do it for one reason or another. For me, it was because of marching band and debate competitions, but there are hundreds of things that might pull you away from school.

If you’re going to be missing a class, whether, in person or virtually, it’s a good idea to let your teachers know at least a few days in advance.

You can verbally inform your teachers about the absence, but I generally email them to make things easier for everyone. Here’s how to do it.

Have a Plan

If you have a test or quiz coming up on the day you’ll miss, block out some time in the future to complete it. If you have an assignment due that day, plan to submit it earlier.

Having a rough plan for making up work (for example, planning to make up your test before school next week) and communicating that plan to your teachers can help you immensely. Not only does this make you look like a responsible, proactive student (always a good thing), but it also helps to keep you from falling behind.

Once your plan is in place, you can go on to writing your email.

Note: Before emailing, check the syllabus your teacher handed you at the beginning of the year (or borrow a friend’s!) to see if they have a certain absence policy. Some teachers might not want to be emailed; others may already have specific instructions for absences.

Writing the Email

Writing absence emails can actually be quite formulaic. Here’s the template I use.

Subject Line: [Name]_Absence on [Date]_[Reason for Absence]

Good [morning/afternoon/evening],

I will be absent from your class on [Date] due to [Reason for Absence.]

If you need to ask what work you’ll be missing

May I ask what work I will be missing that day?

If there’s a test/quiz/assignment due that day

I know I will be missing [assignment for the day]...

• Would it be alright if I turned it in on [date?]

• Would [date] be a good time to make it up?

[Any further information here]

Thank you so much,

[Signature]

Enter and send it!

Further Steps…

If a few days have gone by without any response to your email, I would inform your teacher about your absence directly when they have a free moment.

That’s it!

That’s all you need. With this email sent, go enjoy your school trip (or band contest or dentist’s appointment or DMV visit, etc.) in peace.

Happy writing!

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Minna Chow is a senior currently residing in the DFW area with a passion for the humanities and writing. She is excited to work with Strawberry Opportunities to help people make connections and achieve their goals. In her free time, Minna can be found playing the oboe, embroidering, or crocheting.