It’s possible you will get detention and have to spend more time at school. Will you be allowed to take a test later if you skip a class to miss a test? What are the consequences of turning homework in late? What will happen if your parents find out? Will this just lead to longer stints of boredom and less opportunity to hang out with friends because you’re grounded? Students who skip more than 10 days of school in a year are 20% less likely to get a high school diploma and 25% less likely to go to college. Those who do skip often feel like they are behind in their learning.

Excused absences are usually related to illnesses, a death in the family, or religious observances. Some excuses that could work are telling them you got a migraine headache and needed some quiet, you suddenly feel nauseated, you needed to call your parents. Extended absences for health reasons will often require a doctor’s note.

Consider going to class and asking to be released by the teacher to see the counselor, go to the bathroom, spend some time in the library, or call home. Check with the counselor and set an appointment for later in the day during the class you would like to skip. If you don’t think the teacher will let you out of class, choose a place you can hide between classes, maybe even go by these places between other class periods to see if they look like good hiding places.

If you just need a break, call your parents and ask them to send you an early dismissal. If you are not feeling well, go visit the nurse’s office and see if you can get sent home. At the very least, you will have gotten a break from class for a little while. Visit the counseling office. Speak to your counselor about what is bothering you, or why you need a break, and ask if they will excuse you from your class.

Get a pass to go to the bathroom and just hang out there until you feel ready to return to class. This will likely only work once or twice per class since the teacher will notice if you continue to stay away for long periods of time. Get a pass to the library or just go there between classes and stay after the bell rings. You will have plenty of reading material to keep you entertained during your break. Sneak into an empty classroom and hide in a corner where you can’t be seen from the hall. You can hide in the cafeteria by going during a lunch break other than your own, or hiding out in the corner when it is empty. Note that there may still be cafeteria personnel working even when no one is eating lunch.

If you are feeling nervous, take several deep breaths to calm yourself down. Don’t act super sneaky or brag about it, just do what you need to do to take a break. This will make it less likely for you to get caught in the process and easier to explain yourself afterward.

Not catching up will put you further behind and tempt you to skip more classes.

If they do not give you the opportunity, politely ask them to let you explain what happened. While you may choose to disobey the rules, it doesn’t mean you need to have a negative attitude toward the person whose job it is to enforce the rules. [6] X Research source Tell the truth. Listen when they are talking. Nod and respond with an occasional, “yes” or “I understand. “[7] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source If you do get upset during the conversation, try to end it as quickly as possible by accepting what the other person is saying. Write down your thoughts and ask to speak to them again once you feel like you are calmer and in more control.

Take responsibility for your actions and avoid blaming others for what you have done. [8] X Research source If the consequences don’t seem worth it, find ways to engage with your classes when you feel bored. Consider how the things you are learning will help you in the future, and connect it to your life outside of school.