Writing a Strong Complaint Letter to Your Principal (with Samples)
Use these sample complaint letters to your principal as templates for your formal complain letter.
Last updated on June 18th, 2023
A complaint letter to the principal of a school may be sent by a student, parent of a student or a teacher employed in the school. Most states encourage the student, parent or teacher to first explain their problem to their principal in person before sending a formal complaint letter.
If this doesn’t have the required effect, they should send a letter formally expressing their complaint, with details, and giving a recommendation for a satisfactory resolution.
The principal may attend to complaints, but cannot legally tell others about the steps they have taken. It may be enough for the complainant to know that the issue is being attended to, but if things don’t get better, they may want to consider sending a complaint letter to the superintendent of the school district or the school board.
Before Taking Further Steps
Before taking further steps, the parent or student should call the principal about a week after they have received the letter to learn if any measures are being taken.
A letter from a parent may be sent if their child is having difficulty at school because of bullying from other students, poor teaching methods or improper conduct in class of a teacher. It may be to draw the principal’s attention to an unfair school policy or to one particular incident.
If this doesn’t have the required effect, they should send a letter formally expressing their complaint, with details, and giving a recommendation for a satisfactory resolution.
The principal may attend to complaints, but cannot legally tell others about the steps they have taken. It may be enough for the complainant to know that the issue is being attended to, but if things don’t get better, they may want to consider sending a complaint letter to the superintendent of the school district or the school board.
Before Taking Further Steps
Before taking further steps, the parent or student should call the principal about a week after they have received the letter to learn if any measures are being taken.
A letter from a parent may be sent if their child is having difficulty at school because of bullying from other students, poor teaching methods or improper conduct in class of a teacher. It may be to draw the principal’s attention to an unfair school policy or to one particular incident.
Here is a sample of a letter from a parent that is intended to draw the principal’s attention to the inadequate teaching of a particular teacher. It should be a formal business letter and sent by certified mail, so the parent is sure it was received.
Complaint Letter Sample (from Parent)
Parent’s Name
Parent’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Principal’s Name
School’s Name
School’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Principal’s Name,
This letter is a formal complaint about my child’s, Name of Child, sixth grade teacher, Name of Teacher. It appears that the teacher is not prepared or qualified to teach students at this grade level. I am willing to help my child with his homework, but he never seems to have any. When I ask him if we can go over the daily lessons he is confused about the subject matter.
I have made several appointments to talk to her about Name of Child, but she has cancelled each one. I have visited the school on several occasions and seen her talking on her mobile phone during class time while the students are left unattended.
I am not insisting on a strict regimen at school, but I would like to see my child advance in the subjects required for his grade level. I believe this is not only detrimental for my son and the other students in the class, but it also reflects badly on the school as a whole.
I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or at [email protected]. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Signature of Parent
Printed Name of Parent
Complaint Letter Sample (from Parent)
Parent’s Name
Parent’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Principal’s Name
School’s Name
School’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Principal’s Name,
This letter is a formal complaint about my child’s, Name of Child, sixth grade teacher, Name of Teacher. It appears that the teacher is not prepared or qualified to teach students at this grade level. I am willing to help my child with his homework, but he never seems to have any. When I ask him if we can go over the daily lessons he is confused about the subject matter.
I have made several appointments to talk to her about Name of Child, but she has cancelled each one. I have visited the school on several occasions and seen her talking on her mobile phone during class time while the students are left unattended.
I am not insisting on a strict regimen at school, but I would like to see my child advance in the subjects required for his grade level. I believe this is not only detrimental for my son and the other students in the class, but it also reflects badly on the school as a whole.
I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or at [email protected]. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Signature of Parent
Printed Name of Parent
NOTE:
If a child would like to make a complaint to the principal, he or she may also write a letter. This letter may be hand written, so the child should use his or her best handwriting and check the spelling of words and names. Here is a sample of a letter from a child complaining about the food served in the cafeteria.
It can be hand delivered to the principal or to his or her secretary. If the child hears nothing from the principal after a week, it is recommended that he request an appointment to talk about the issue in person.
If a child would like to make a complaint to the principal, he or she may also write a letter. This letter may be hand written, so the child should use his or her best handwriting and check the spelling of words and names. Here is a sample of a letter from a child complaining about the food served in the cafeteria.
It can be hand delivered to the principal or to his or her secretary. If the child hears nothing from the principal after a week, it is recommended that he request an appointment to talk about the issue in person.
Complaint Letter Sample (from a Student)
DATE
Dear Principal’s Name:
My name is NAME and I am in Teacher’s Name sixth grade class. I am writing this letter to inform you about the poor quality of food and service in the cafeteria. Several other students have also noticed this and join me in my complaint. Here is a list of things that we would like changed.
- The food is not covered, and there are always flies hovering over it. This can lead to diseases. Three of my friends who ate in the cafeteria had diarrhea last Tuesday evening.
- We would appreciate a little more variety in the menu choices. We understand that the choices are limited, but it is not very appetizing to have hot dogs three days in a row.
- The cafeteria staff is rude to us when we make selections. We have done our best to be polite, but it hasn’t had any effect on the staffs’ rudeness.
- The garbage cans are not emptied every day. This means there is a bad smell when we enter the cafeteria, and it is unsanitary.
- We believe these complaints are fair and can be fixed if you will take action regarding these matters. Thank you for taking the time to consider our requests.
Sincerely,
Signature of Student
Printed Name of Student
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a complaint letter to the principal?
Answer: A complaint letter to the principal is a formal written document that expresses dissatisfaction or concern regarding a specific issue or incident within a school or educational institution. It is addressed to the principal, who is the head of the school, and serves as a way for students, parents, or even teachers to voice their complaints, provide details about the problem, and request appropriate action or resolution.
Q: How should I address the principal in a complaint letter?
Answer: When addressing the principal in a complaint letter, it is appropriate to use formal language and show respect. Begin the letter with "Dear Principal [Last Name]," or "Dear [Principal's Title] [Last Name]." If you are unsure about the principal's last name, you can use their full name or simply address them as "Principal [Last Name]." It is important to maintain a professional and polite tone throughout the letter.
Q: What are some common reasons to write a complaint letter to the principal?
Answer: There can be various reasons to write a complaint letter to the principal. Some common reasons include bullying or harassment incidents, concerns about the quality of education, disciplinary issues, inadequate facilities or resources, safety concerns, unfair treatment, or any other matter that requires the principal's attention and intervention.
Q: How should I structure a complaint letter to the principal?
Answer: A complaint letter to the principal should follow a formal letter format. Start with a polite and concise introduction, stating your purpose for writing and briefly describing the issue you want to address. In the body paragraphs, provide detailed information about the incident, including dates, names, and any supporting evidence or witnesses, if applicable.
Clearly explain the impact of the issue on you or others involved. Conclude the letter by requesting specific actions or solutions, and express your hope for a prompt resolution. Sign off with a respectful closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Yours faithfully," followed by your name and contact information.
Q: Is it important to provide evidence or supporting documentation in a complaint letter to the principal?
Answer: Yes, it is beneficial to provide any evidence or supporting documentation that you have regarding the issue mentioned in your complaint letter. This can include witness statements, photographs, screenshots, or any other relevant material that helps substantiate your claims. Providing evidence strengthens your case and gives the principal a clearer understanding of the situation, increasing the chances of an appropriate resolution.
Q: What should I do if I do not receive a response to my complaint letter from the principal?
Answer: If you do not receive a response from the principal within a reasonable timeframe, it is recommended to follow up on your complaint. You can either send a polite email or make a phone call to inquire about the status of your letter. If further action is needed, you may escalate the matter by contacting higher authorities within the educational institution or involving the school board, depending on the severity and nature of the issue.
Q: How should I maintain a professional tone in a complaint letter to the principal?
Answer: To maintain a professional tone in your complaint letter to the principal, it is important to use respectful and formal language throughout the document. Avoid using offensive or derogatory remarks, and instead focus on presenting the facts and expressing your concerns in a clear and objective manner. Use appropriate salutations and avoid using slang or informal expressions. Remember that a professional tone enhances the credibility of your letter and increases the likelihood of a positive response.
Q: Can a complaint letter to the principal be submitted anonymously?
Answer: Yes, in certain situations, it is possible to submit a complaint letter to the principal anonymously. However, it is generally more effective to provide your name and contact information so that the principal can follow up with you for additional details or to provide updates on the actions taken. Anonymity may limit the principal's ability to address your concerns fully, as they may be unable to verify the information or seek additional input from you.
Q: Is it necessary to keep a copy of the complaint letter to the principal?
Answer: Yes, it is highly advisable to keep a copy of the complaint letter for your records. Having a copy allows you to refer back to the original content, track the date it was sent, and keep a record of the issue raised and the actions requested. If needed, you can provide a copy to other relevant parties, such as school administrators or school board members, as you escalate the complaint or seek further assistance.
Q: How long should I wait for a response from the principal after sending a complaint letter?
Answer: The time it takes to receive a response from the principal can vary depending on the complexity of the issue, the workload of the principal, and the policies of the educational institution. Generally, it is reasonable to wait for a response within a few weeks. If you do not receive a response within that timeframe, it is appropriate to follow up with the principal or consider escalating the complaint to higher authorities.