When to use this note
Send a school absence note when your child misses school, or ahead of time for a planned absence like a medical appointment. Most schools need a written note or call from a parent to count an absence as excused.
Check your school’s rules. Many have a deadline for notes, such as within two or three days of the child’s return, and some accept email or an online form.
How to fill it out
| Part | What to write |
|---|---|
| Your details | Your name, phone and email. |
| Date | The day you write the note. |
| To | The teacher, or the attendance office. |
| Child’s name and grade | Their full name, grade and homeroom. |
| Dates | The exact date or dates missed. |
| Reason | Brief and general: illness, a medical appointment, a family matter. You don’t need to share details. |
| Missed work | An optional line asking about schoolwork. |
| Signature | Your signature, as the parent or guardian. |
Filled-in example
Dear Ms. Carter,
Please excuse my child, Liam Nguyen, in Grade 2, Room 8, from school on Monday, November 9 and Tuesday, November 10, 2026. He was absent because of illness.
Please let me know about any work he missed so we can catch up at home.
If you have any questions, please contact me at (555) 210-4471.
Thank you, Kim Nguyen
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing dates. List every day your child was out.
- Oversharing. “Illness” is enough. Schools don’t need medical details.
- Waiting too long. Late notes may not be accepted, and the absence can stay unexcused.
- Forgetting a doctor’s note. For long absences or appointments, some schools also want one.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as an excused absence?
It depends on your state and district. Illness, medical appointments, religious holidays and family emergencies are commonly excused.
Can I email the note instead?
Many schools accept email. Check your school’s attendance policy, and send it to the right address.
Do I need a doctor’s note?
Usually only for longer absences, often three or more days in a row, or when the school asks for one.
Can I write a note for a planned vacation?
You can, but many schools count vacations as unexcused. Ask the school about its policy first.