Free First Day of School Printable Signs for the 2024-2025 School Year

The first day of school is such a special time for both kids and parents! It’s a day filled with excitement, a bit of nervousness, and lots of smiles. One of my favorite ways to capture this moment is with a fun photo featuring a cute sign. That’s why I’ve created these free printable first day of school signs for you to use for the 2024-2025 school year!

Why First Day of School Photos are Special

Each new school year is a milestone worth celebrating, and for me, capturing my girls’ first day of school has become a cherished tradition. I eagerly anticipate this special day, camera in hand, ready to freeze this fleeting moment in time with a cute first day of school sign.

I love seeing the excitement and a bit of nervousness in their eyes as they proudly hold their signs. From my oldest daughter’s first day of 4th grade to my youngest starting preschool, each photo tells a story of growth, change, and new beginnings. It’s amazing to look back and see how much they’ve grown, not just physically but in their confidence and personality.

These photos capture their favorite things, bright smiles, and unique styles each year. They serve as a beautiful timeline of their school years, marking each milestone with love and a bit of sparkle. Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or any other grade, these photos are a perfect way to celebrate their journey and create lasting memories.

Free First Day of School Printable Sign

I’ve designed a set of free printable signs for all grade levels, from preschool to 12th grade. They’re cute, fun, and super easy to use. Just print them out, and you’re ready for some adorable first day photos! These signs are available in high resolution and can be printed at home or at your local print shop.

Different Options for Your Printable Signs

To make your first day of school pictures even more special, I’ve created several different options:

• Editable first day of school signs: Personalize this template sign with your child’s name, teacher’s name, and grade level.
• Version with white background with black letters: These classic signs are perfect for a clean, timeless look.
• Adorable signs: Featuring cute designs that your girls will love, from 1st grade to 12th grade.
• Matching last day of school signs: Capture the entire school year by pairing your first day signs with matching last day signs.

Tips for Taking Perfect Back to School Photos

Taking back-to-school photos is a fun tradition that captures the excitement and growth of your kids each year. Here are some simple tips to make those photos picture-perfect:

1. Choose the Right Time

Morning Light: Take your photos in the morning when the light is soft and natural. It’s also when everyone is fresh and excited for the day.

2. Pick a Great Spot

Bright and Clean Background: Use locations like the front porch, school entrance, or a favorite tree. Make sure the background isn’t too cluttered. We love using our garage door for a simple background.

3. Get Creative with Props

Fun Props: Include items like backpacks, lunchboxes, or a favorite book. You can also use our cute printable signs for an extra special touch.

4. Use Natural Light

Avoid Harsh Shadows: If possible, take photos outside or near a window. Natural light helps to avoid harsh shadows and makes the photo look bright and lively.

5. Capture Candid Moments

Natural Smiles: Let your kids be themselves! Capture them laughing, talking, or even playing. These candid moments often turn out to be the best photos.

6. Coordinate Outfits

Color Themes: Choose outfits that are coordinated but not too matchy-matchy. Solid colors or simple patterns work great and keep the focus on your child.

7. Focus on Details

Close-ups: Don’t forget to take some close-ups of your child holding their sign, or of special details like their new shoes or favorite accessory.

8. Use the Printable Signs

Personalized Signs: My editable signs let you add your child’s name, grade, and teacher’s name. This personal touch makes the photos even more special. My ready to go version is easy to use with no editing required.

9. Capture the Emotions

Excitement and Nerves: The first day of school is filled with mixed emotions. Capture your child’s excitement, nerves, and everything in between.

10. Take Multiple Shots

Variety of Poses: Take photos from different angles and try various poses. This gives you plenty of options to choose from.

Bonus Tip for Last Minute Moms

Quick Edits: If you’re short on time, snap a quick photo and add a cute printable sign digitally later. It’s a great option for those hectic mornings!

Remember, the best part of back-to-school photos is capturing the joy and excitement of a new school year. Have fun with it and create memories that you and your child will cherish forever!

Making the First Day Special

The first day of school is a big event, and a little extra planning can make it even more memorable and fun for your child. Here are some tips to ensure a perfect start to the new school year:

Plan a Special Breakfast

• Fun Shapes: Start the day with a yummy and fun breakfast. Pancakes in the shape of letters, hearts, or even your child’s favorite character are always a hit. 
• Colorful Smoothies: Make a fruit smoothie with vibrant colors. You can layer different fruits for a rainbow effect.
• Favorite Foods: Serve their favorite breakfast food, whether it’s waffles, scrambled eggs, or a special cereal. The familiarity will comfort them and get them excited for the day ahead.

Lay Out Clothes the Night Before

• Outfit Planning: Pick out clothes the night before to avoid any morning chaos. Choose something they love and feel comfortable in, like their favorite shirt or a new outfit for the school year.
• Accessorize: Lay out any accessories, shoes, and even a matching face mask if needed. This way, everything is ready to go, and there are no last-minute searches.
• Check out these tips for Back to School Shopping with girls!

Pack a Special Lunch

• Little Notes: Include a little note or a favorite treat in your child’s lunchbox to make their day even brighter. A simple “I love you” or “Have a great day!” can mean the world to them.
• Themed Lunch: Pack a themed lunch with fun shapes and colorful foods. Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches or fruits into stars, hearts, or animals.
• Favorite Snacks: Add a few of their favorite snacks to give them something to look forward to during the day.

Create a Fun To-Do List

Morning Checklist: Make a colorful to-do list for the morning routine. Include things like brushing teeth, packing a backpack, and taking a first-day photo. Checking off each task can be a fun and motivating way to start the day.

Special First Day Traditions

• Photo Tradition: Establish a photo tradition with a cute first day of school sign. You can take photos in the same spot each year to see how much they’ve grown.
• Gift a Small Token: Give them a small gift, like a new book, a special pencil, or a keychain for their backpack. It’s a fun surprise that adds a little extra magic to their day.

After-School Celebration

• Favorite Dinner: Plan a favorite dinner or a special treat after school to celebrate the first day. It can be pizza night, a trip for ice cream, or a family movie night.
• First Day Recap: Spend some time talking about their first day. Ask about their favorite part, any new friends they made, and what they’re looking forward to in the school year.

Encourage Independence

• Morning Routine: Encourage them to take charge of their morning routine. This builds confidence and makes them feel grown-up and ready for the day.
• Packing the Backpack: Let them help pack their backpack with school supplies, snacks, and anything else they might need. This teaches responsibility and ensures they have everything they need.

Making the first day special sets a positive tone for the entire school year. These little touches help create wonderful memories and make your child feel loved and supported as they start their new adventure.

Download Your Free Printables

Ready to make your first day of school photos extra special? Click here to download your free printable first day of school sign now! This first day of school printable sign is available as a high-resolution PDF file, so it will look great in your photos. You can download them for personal use and print them at home or at a local print shop.

Cherish the Moments

As you get ready for the first day of school, take a moment to enjoy and cherish this special time. These moments pass by so quickly, and it’s wonderful to have memories to look back on. I’d love to see your first day photos! Share them in the comments below or tag me on social media.

Here’s to a fantastic first day of school and many happy memories ahead!