We never hesitate to take the kids out of school for a few days if our travel plans require it, though we've never taken them out for a whole week. They are starting 11th and 4th this year, and will miss two days in May for our
Disneyland trip. Because of other obligations, that's the only time we can go, so a couple days of school isn't going to stand in our way, lol!
I was a middle school teacher for 10 years, so I am very aware of the importance of education. But I also see how a few days of school fits into the grand scheme of life, and it's just not worth disrupting your plans and family time over. I'm surprised to see so many say that their school would not excuse the absence. We have been in 3 different school districts so far, and none have ever so much as batted an eye when I simply told them the kids would be absent because we were traveling. I don't really consider it their business - they don't own my kids. When I was teaching, I had multiple kids out every day, for all sorts of reasons. I never even asked why, just gave them what they missed, and if they turned it back in, they got full credit. I was never aware of any of the schools I worked in (in two different states) giving anyone a hard time about absences due to family travel.
From a former teacher's perspective - a few things to consider. Don't assume that you can get all of their work before you go. I almost never gave out makeup work ahead of time. It was rare for me to even have materials prepared more than a day or two in advance. Besides, it's not much of a vacation if you make them spend the whole time working - if you're going to miss school, at least make it relaxing! Also, remember that not everything can be "made up". They don't just sit around and do worksheets all day, that they could just as easily do at home. A lot of what they will miss is direct instruction, discussions, labs, group projects, etc. You may have to fill some of those gaps yourself with your own resources, as the teacher can't be expected to individually re-teach every lesson. I know this all makes it sound like you "shouldn't go", but again. Grand scheme of life. They'll be okay. Just set your expectations accordingly.