Back To School
Whether you use a chalkboard or just take a picture of them running for the bus.
Just like meltdowns over misplaced backpacks and worries over what time the bus is actually supposed to show up, snapping a back-to-school picture of your kids to post on Instagram, Facebook — or even a video on TikTok — is a modern-day parenting tradition. Once you've got the perfect (or at least decent enough) shot, the only question is what to say about it on social media. These first-day-of-school photo captions run the gamut from sweet to celebratory to humorously sarcastic, so you're sure to find one that describes how you're feeling about this monumental occasion... whether you're a bundle of nerves or borderline giddy.
My younger kids love posing for photos on the first day of school. They want to show off their new school clothes, Super Mario backpack, and the fact that they have reached a new grade level. As kids get older, however, pushback on taking a back-to-school photo may rear its ugly head. Even if they insist on ditching the Pinterest-worthy chalkboard sign, you'll likely still be able to get at least one quick snap for Instagram through the junior high and high school years. And when you do, these first-day-of-school captions will be ready and waiting to accompany your post.
Funny first-day-of-school Instagram captions
- Today is the day we begin our countdown to the last day of school.
- I’m going to be sad for approximately 5 minutes. Then, it’s time for a Target run. Alone. #blessed
- We were tired of sleeping in and enjoying life anyway.
- A special shout-out to all the parents who sent their kids back to school with sharpened pencils.
- My kids are back in school. Give me a day to process my devastation.
- R.I.P. summer vacation.
- Bye, Felicia!
- My sanity has just been saved by the (school) bell.
- It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
- There are really five seasons: winter, spring, summer, fall, and back-to-school.
- I told the new teacher she can keep my kids for as long as she wants.
- If you need me, I’ll be at Staples buying all the school supplies we forgot to buy the first time.
- Just dropped the kids off at school. Time to party.
- Nothing beats the sweet, sweet sound of silence.
- It’s the first day of school. This morning wasn’t stressful at all.
- Now I finally get to enjoy my breakfast in peace.
- I’m so planning on being the last person at pick-up.
Sentimental first-day-of-school captions
- Dream big, little one.
- And so the adventure begins…
- Just like that, summer is over.
- Let me love you a little more before you’re not little anymore.
- My kids deserve an entire sheet of gold stars.
- They say school is like home away from home, but I’m going to miss this little face today.
- They really do grow up so fast.
- Here’s to big smiles and even bigger adventures.
- It’s time to embrace everything new — new friends, new teachers, and a new school year.
- I’ll be here waiting for you when you get home. Happy first day, little one!
- I hope you are able to achieve everything your heart desires.
- To my children, welcome to the rest of your life.
- Sending your kids back to school is so bittersweet.
- I just dropped my kids off at school and I miss them already.
Quotes to use as first-day-of-school captions
- “Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.” — Oprah
- “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” — W.B. Yeats
- “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
- “You’re never too old to set another goal or dream another dream.” — C.S. Lewis
- “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” — Mark Twain
- “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” — Oscar Wilde
- “The most important day of a person’s education is the first day of school, not graduation day.” — Harry Wong
- “Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.” — John Dewey
- “Education is our passport to the future.” — Malcolm X
- “Education is one thing no one can take away from you.” — Elin Nordegren
- “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” — Malala Yousafazi
- “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” — Dr. Seuss
- “Intelligence plus character, that is the true goal of education.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” — Chinese Proverb
- “Education is one of the blessings of life — and one of its necessities.” – Malala Yousafzai
Last first-day-of-school captions for high school seniors
- Only (x number of days) till graduation!
- The first of many lasts starts now.
- Earned senior-citizen status today.
- The first day of school is a fashion show, the rest will be a pajama party.
- Starting chapter 12 out of 12 this year.
- It’s officially the beginning of the end.
- Respect your elders, underclassmen!
- Might have to call in sick to school today, I think this one has senioritis.
- I’m walking down these halls for the first time for the last time.
- It’s our last year of high school — let’s make it the best one yet.
First-day-of-school captions from your kid’s perspective
- Is it just me, or does my mom seem a little too excited about the first day of school?
- There is no tired like first-day-of-school tired.
- Cute school supplies almost make the first day of school worth it.
- You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
- I didn’t want to hold up this chalkboard sign, but my mom made me. Happy first day back or whatever.
- Most likely to be caught sleeping in class.
- New year, new me.
- Never underestimate the power of a good outfit on the first day of school.
- My favorite subject in school? Probably recess… or maybe lunch.
- As my parents were driving away, I couldn’t tell if they were laughing or crying.
- The only person more excited about going back to school is my parents.
Song lyrics to use as first-day-of-school captions
- “Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces. Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here.” — The Beatles, “Here comes the sun”
- “A whole new world is waiting; it’s mine for the taking.” — Bruno Mars, “Today My Life Begins”
- “I hope life treats you kind, and I hope you have all you've dreamed of. And I’m wishing you joy and happiness, but above all this, I wish you love.” — Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You”
- “You're beautiful, every little piece, love. And don't you know you're really gonna be someone?” — Taylor Swift, “Stay Beautiful”
- “These are the days we'll never forget.” — Avicii, “The Days”
- “This must be the day that all of my dreams come true.” — Bob Dylan, “New Morning”
- “Started from the bottom, now we’re here.” — Drake, “Started From The Bottom”
- “There’s always been a rainbow hangin’ over your head.” — Kacey Musgraves, “Rainbow”
- “I feel like new sunglasses, like a brand new pair of jeans. I feel like taking chances, I feel a lot like seventeen.” — Ben Rector, “Brand New”
- “Today is never too late to be brand new.” — Taylor Swift, “Innocent”
The beginning of a new school year can feel so many ways — exciting, hectic, or even scary — and sometimes all at once. No matter what this school year holds for your kids, there’s a first day of school caption to fit nearly every situation.
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