The Best First Day of School Signs
Oh hey, school season. Is it just me, or does the start of the year sneak up like a rogue email from your PTO president? One minute you’re soaking up summer, the next you’re elbow-deep in school supplies, juggling open house dates, and trying to remember your child’s teacher’s name. (It’s Mrs. Anderson… or is it Miss Thompson?)
And in the middle of all that chaos—boom—it’s time for first day of school pictures. If you’re still scrambling for a cute sign, I’ve got you covered. This post rounds up the best first day of school sign ideas: free printables, editable PDFs, DIY hacks, and last-minute lifesavers you can print at home. Whether it’s preschool, middle school, or bribing your high school senior for one last photo, you’ll find something here that works—without the meltdown.
If you’re already thinking about keeping memories safe, don’t miss my school baby keepsake box guide—it’s perfect for saving those first day treasures. And since all this hustle can make snack time a challenge, I also have a list of the best clean snacks for kids to keep energy up during those busy mornings.
Why Bother with First Day of School Signs?
If you’ve ever dug through old school photos wondering, “Was that 2nd or 3rd grade?”—you know the struggle. A sign makes sure you never have to guess.
Mark the milestone: From the first day of daycare to high school math, these signs capture where your kid is in their journey—from younger students to high schoolers.
Get better photos: Having a sign gets them to stand still and makes a simple snapshot feel more special.
Share with everyone: Post on social media, text it to Grandma, or frame it for their bedroom—instant “I’m a prepared parent” energy.
And bonus: When you pair a first day sign with a last day sign, you get a side-by-side snapshot of just how much your child has grown in one school year. It’s one of the easiest and most heartwarming ways to see the difference a year makes.
Pick Your Perfect Sign Style
1. Free Printable First Day of School Signs
I’m a big fan of a free printable—it’s the ultimate parent hack when you want something cute, quick, and high-quality without a craft store run.
How it works:
Find a free download, enter your email address, and print the PDF right from your home printer. If you want your sign to look extra polished, you can take the PDF file to a local print shop—like Staples or FedEx Office—and have them print it on nicer paper with professional printers.
Pro tips for best results:
Use thick cardstock.
Print in vibrant colors—double-check your printer settings.
Laminate it if you want to reuse it for the last day of school.
I’ve even made my own free printables for you—clean, modern designs for every grade level, from preschool through twelfth grade. There are blank versions too, so you can update dates with a dry-erase marker and reuse them year after year. You’ll get instant access to the download when you sign up for my newsletter.
My First Day of School Favorites
If you’d rather not hunt down supplies, I’ve put everything I love for milestone photos in my First Day of School Signs & Photo Props Amazon Shop. These are the same types of signs, props, and keepsakes I talk about throughout this post—things that make your first day photos easier, cuter, and more memorable.
Double-Sided Chalkboard
School Board with Liquid Chalk Markers
Wooden Framed Chalkboard Sign
First and Last Day of School
Liquid Chalk Marker Set
Neon Colors, Reusable, Easy Erase
Neenah
Bright White Premium Cardstock
Chalkboard Photo Props
For Kids’ Milestones
Chalkola
Metallic Chalk Markers
Magnetic White Board
Dry Erase
Hair Bows for Girls
30PCS Big 6 Inch
School Backpack
For Teen Girls
Toddler Backpack
For Boys 2-4
School Memory Book
Scrapbook Album for Kids
Popotop Photo Album
Self Adhesive Scrapbook Album
Back To School
Girls Kids T-Shirt
Toddler Baby
Back To School Outfits
Back to School Shirt
Toddler Boys
2. DIY & Design-Your-Own Signs
Want to add a personal touch (or your kid wants to break out the glitter again)? Going custom is the way to go.
Chalkboard signs: Classic, reusable, and totally charming. Perfect for adding details like names, favorite things, or goals for the year.
Dry-erase boards: Clean look, no chalk mess, and super easy to update for both first and last day signs.
Online design tools: Use Canva or similar sites to create a fresh printable each year—think graphic arts meets mom-on-a-mission.
3. Editable Downloads (AKA The Middle Ground)
Not super crafty but want something better than basic? This hybrid option fits the bill.
Purchase a digital file (usually from Etsy or similar sites).
Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat or another PDF editor.
Type in your child’s name, grade level, and current year.
Print it at home or send it to a print shop. Done.
These downloads often come in bright colors and fun themes—so you can find one that fits your child’s unique style and sense of humor.
Pro Tips for School Photos That Actually Turn Out Cute
Shoot in the morning: First day excitement is real—capture that fresh energy while it lasts.
Use natural light: The front porch, driveway, or a spot by a window is your best friend. Soft, natural light makes all the difference.
Get on their level: Literally crouch down and shoot straight on. It makes photos feel more personal and less like a school ID.
Use the same spot every year: It creates a powerful side-by-side comparison to see how much they’ve grown.
Keep it simple: You don’t need props or Pinterest-level setups. The sign and their smile are all you really need.
And please don’t skip the last day signs. These bookend photos are my favorite way to see just how much they’ve changed over the school year. Snap it in the same spot, use a similar sign (just swap “First” for “Last”), and try not to cry.
FAQs
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Yes—most “healthy” lollipops are made without artificial colors, flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup, and they typically have less sugar. They may also use organic ingredients, fruit juice concentrates, or functional ingredients like vitamin C or honey. That means fewer questionable additives and a little more peace of mind.
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The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars for children under 2 years old entirely, and keeping it under 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) per day for kids 2 and older. So even with healthier lollipops, moderation is still key.
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Yes! Some brands use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit instead of sugar. Just make sure to read the label—some sugar-free candies use artificial sweeteners that you may prefer to avoid for young children.
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Some can! Brands like Lolleez and Beekeeper’s Naturals make lollipops with soothing ingredients like honey, vitamin C, and herbal blends that can help ease throat discomfort in a kid-friendly way.
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You can find them online (Thrive Market, Amazon, brand websites) or at natural grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or even in the natural foods section of larger supermarkets.
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Absolutely! With lollipop molds, natural sweeteners, and fruit juice, you can create your own custom flavors and control exactly what goes in. It’s also a fun kitchen activity to do with the kids—plus, they’ll love being your taste-testers.
Sign Styles by Grade Level
Preschool–1st Grade: Think adorable signs, cute fonts, and maybe a favorite toy or stuffed animal nearby. These early years fly by, so make the photos extra sweet.
2nd–5th Grade: A bit more grown-up but still fun. Add favorite things or current obsessions—Pokémon, Taylor Swift, whatever’s big right now.
Middle School: Give your middle schooler some creative freedom with their sign. Let them add a sarcastic quote or design it themselves to keep things fun and interesting.
High Schoolers: Keep it simple and real. Skip the fancy signs and go for something that shows their personality—whether it’s a quick joke, a favorite quote, or just a plain sign with their grade. It’s all about capturing who they are right now.
Last-Minute Mom Moves: When You’re Totally Scrambling
Let’s be honest—sometimes it’s 7:45 a.m., and you just remembered you need a first day sign. Here’s what to do:
Grab a marker and paper: Write “1st Day of 4th Grade” (or whatever grade) and call it a day.
Reuse an old chalkboard: Even if it still says “3rd grade,” just erase it and write the new grade—you’re good to go.
Use instant download signs: There are tons of free printables online that are quick and easy. Just download, print, and snap your photo.
Bonus Round: The Last Day of School Signs
Last day signs don’t get enough love, but they’re an important part of the yearly tradition.
Match your first day sign: Use the same design but swap “First Day” for “Last Day” to keep things consistent.
Use the same spot and pose: Taking photos in the same place with a similar pose makes the before-and-after comparison even more meaningful.
Organize your photos: I keep a digital folder for each kid, labeled by grade level and school year.
Whether you’re printing a cute sign for your kindergartner, making a high school math-themed poster, or just getting through the back-to-school madness with a dry-erase board and a Sharpie, you’re doing awesome.
Now go snap that photo, share it if you want (social media totally optional), and feel good knowing you’ve made a memory to look back on for years.
And hey, if you need a free printable or a quick last-minute fix, I’ve got your back.
Tell me in the comments—what’s your back-to-school photo tradition? Extra points if it involves dry-erase markers and a little bit of chaos.
