First day of school signs have become one of my favorite back-to-school traditions, and as a mom, I know just how special it is to capture that big moment each year.
The first day of school always sneaks up on me, one minute we’re soaking up summer and the next, we’re scrambling to find backpacks and pack lunches.
I’ve learned that the morning rush doesn’t leave much time for anything extra, but I always make time to snap that first day of school photo.
It’s one of my favorite traditions, and looking back at those pictures each year truly melts my heart.
To help make your morning a little easier and your photos a lot cuter, I’ve created a set of free printable First Day of School signs for every grade from Pre-K all the way to 12th grade.
Each grade comes with 4–6 different designs to choose from, so whether you love something fun and colorful or clean and classic, you’ll find the perfect sign to match your style and your child’s personality.
Why I Started Making First Day of School Signs
I’ll never forget my oldest’s first day of Pre-K. In the middle of the morning chaos, I grabbed a scrap piece of paper and quickly wrote “First Day of School” with a marker, definitely not my finest mom moment.
Since then, I’ve learned that having a cute, ready-to-print sign not only makes the photo look more polished but also helps turn that morning hustle into a memory we actually want to keep.
That’s why I created these printable first day of school signs.
I wanted to make it easy for other parents to capture those special milestones without any added stress.
Just choose your favorite design, print it out, and you’re ready for that big smile.
Whether it’s their very first year or their last, these signs help you celebrate the moment in style.
How to Use the First Day of School Signs
Using these signs couldn’t be easier, because let’s be real, the first day of school is busy enough.
- Choose good lighting: Natural light often works best. Try taking the photo outside or near a window.
- Pick a consistent background: Using the same location each year adds to the sense of time passing.
- Capture personality: Encourage your child to show their excitement (or nervousness) in the photo.
- Take multiple shots: Ensure you get at least one good photo by taking several.
Download the First Day of School Signs
Click the link below the images to download high-resolution PDF pages. Use a color printer for best results. We recommend printing on cardstock for durability.
All downloads and printables on Our Happy Corner are for personal and classroom use only. They may not be redistributed, altered, or sold.
Pin to save for later!
Beyond the First Day
While these signs are designed for the first day, consider using them throughout the school year.
Have photos of the last day of school taken as well to compare the first and last days to see growth over the year.
Preserving Memories
Once you’ve taken years of first day of school photos, consider these ideas for preserving the memories:
- Create a photo book: Compile all the photos into a single album.
- Make a gallery wall: Frame and hang the photos in a prominent place at home.
- Time-lapse video: When your child graduates, create a time-lapse video of all their first day photos.
We hope these free printable first day of school signs help you and your children create lasting memories of their academic journey.
More Ideas You May Love
Alphabet Tracing Worksheets Free Printables
Free Cursive Alphabet Tracing Worksheets
32 Free Printable Lunch Box Notes
Multiplication Chart Printable
