How to Avoid Going to School

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Co-authored by Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS

Last Updated: June 5, 2025 References

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Faking Sick to Avoid School

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Finding Alternative Learning Programs

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Overcoming Your Desire to Avoid School

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Expert Interview

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Tips

When school becomes overwhelming or exhausting, boring or slow, taking a day away from the classroom can help you recharge and refocus. You can avoid school for short periods of time by taking an educational field trip with your parents, joining a club or team the meets or competes during the school day, requesting a personal day, or faking sick. If you are interested in avoiding traditional school for longer amounts of time, consider dual enrolling at your local college, registering for a semester long placement or service project, or taking classes at a vocational school.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Faking Sick to Avoid School

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When you want to avoid school, faking an illness is an effective way to stay out of the classroom. The success of your scheme depends largely on the illness you decide to fake. Choose an illness that has to “run its course” and has relatively easy symptoms to feign, like the flu or a headache. Don’t fake an illness that will require a doctor’s visit, like strep throat or mono—the doctor could blow your cover!^{[1]
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Fake a headache. A headache is an exceptionally easy and safe illness to fake because the symptoms are not visible. Choose a specific part of your head that hurts, such as your forehead or at the base of your skull. Pretend that you are sensitive to sounds and light. Lay on a couch or in your bed—avoid excessive activity. This also works when you are at school, for example, you have a big math test that you didn't study for, simply just put your hand over your eyes and say something along the lines of “Man my head is killing me, and my vision is blurry” this works about 75% of the time.^{[2]
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- Place a cool washcloth over your eyes.
- Rub your temples to alleviate the pain.
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Fake the flu. Pretending to have the flu requires commitment and skill. To successfully fake the flu, you must pretend to have a variety of symptoms.
- Pretend to have the chills. Bundle up in blankets and sweaters; take hot baths or constantly drink warm beverages.
- Complain to your parents of aches and weakness. To sell these symptoms, avoid excess activity.
- Fake a variety of common cold symptoms, such as a sore throat, dry cough, and runny nose.
  - Blow your nose constantly.
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Fake a fever. Pretending to have a fever requires careful planning and constant vigilance. To fake proof of high temperature, you will need to expose a thermometer to something warm. Instead of relying on an obscure method, like holding it over a light bulb, simply place it against a warm beverage. As the thermometer rises, monitor it to ensure it does read over 103 °F (39 °C).^{[3]
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- Tell your parents that you felt feverish throughout the night and often woke up in a cold sweat.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Finding Alternative Learning Programs

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For students who struggle to learn or socialize in a traditional school environment, homeschooling is an excellent alternative. As a homeschooler, you will have the luxury of studying within the safe and comfortable confines of your home. You will receive one-on-one instruction and a personalized curriculum. This alternative learning program benefits both the student that requires additional attention and the student that requires more challenging coursework.^{[4]
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Virtual learning is increasing in popularity. It is providing students across the world with access to excellent educators, customizable curriculum, and exposure to a diverse student body. This is an excellent option for students that excel in non-traditional academic settings.^{[5]
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Dual enroll at your local college. Taking a course at your local college in place of a high school class is an excellent way to challenge yourself—and it allows you to leave campus! Meet with a high school counselor to discuss the possibility of dual enrolling at your local college. Express that you wish to challenge yourself and that you want to prepare yourself for a successful collegiate career.^{[6]
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- Very few college courses meet 5 days a week, which means less time in the classroom.
Ask your teachers or school counselors if your school offers semester-long internships, service projects, and or placements. Work with the counselor to register for the program. Finding opportunities for hands-on learning will allow you to develop personal and professional skills. Your participation in one of these programs not only looks great on college applications, but it also gets you out of the classroom!^{[7]
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Enrolling in a vocational school is an excellent option for students who wish to start their careers immediately after high school or teens who simply prefer hands-on learning. Instead of taking traditional courses, take classes that teach you a set of practical and transferable professional skills. Work with your school counselors to register for courses or transfer to your local vocational school.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Overcoming Your Desire to Avoid School

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Dealing with bullies at school is scary, overwhelming, and exhausting! When a bully belittles you, remain strong and confident—remind yourself that you are a valuable and wonderful person. Report the incident to a trusted adult, like your parents, a teacher, or a school administrator.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS
Clinical Psychologist

Expert Interview} Meet with the principal, school counselors, and teachers and develop a plan to address the bullying.^{[10]
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Sitting in a desk for 6 to 8 hours a day is quite the task! If you are struggling to remain focused, actively seek positive solutions to your problem. Meet with your teacher and parents to devise a personalized learning plan.^{[11]
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Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS
Clinical Psychologist

Expert Interview} Schedule an appointment with your doctor to explore possible medical explanations for your inability to focus.^{[12]
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Reduce your risk of feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork. Throughout a semester, you may feel overwhelmed by the endless cycle of reading assignments, homework, projects, and exams. As your stress increases and feelings of inadequacy creep in, actively seek to regain control of your life.^{[13]
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- Make time for self-care.
- Think positive thoughts. Never tell yourself you can’t achieve a goal or complete an assignment on time.
- Tackle your homework one step at a time. Focus on completing one problem or reading one section at a time,
- Set small, achievable goals for yourself.^{[14]
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Tips

Oversleeping or forgetting to set an alarm is a great way to be intentionally late for school!

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If for some reason you have to skip school, running away for a few hours, which is a very bad idea, is an option.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you feel like you struggle with anxiety about school, talk to your doctor, therapist, parents, or even a school counselor. They'll be able to help you cope, which can make it easier for you to go to school.
Sometimes, all you need to do is "oversleep." If you're not ready to go by the time your parent needs to leave for work, they might just let you stay home.
If you're trying to avoid school because you're worried about fitting in, just take a deep breath and be yourself! People are drawn to confidence!

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