Okay so we’ve made it through Summer, woohoo! And maybe also… gulp... it's already time for sharpened pencils, early alarms, and digging out those lunchboxes from who-knows-where.

Back-to-school season is full of emotions. The kids are nervous and excited. We’re somewhere between cheering and tearing up at the sight of their new backpacks. So what better way to kick off the new school year than with some awesome back-to-school quotes?

Whether you're looking for a cute lunchbox note, a little pep talk for your teen, or something funny to stick on the fridge, this list is packed with quotes that will make you smile, laugh, and maybe even cry (just a little). 

Sweet & Uplifting Back to School Quotes for Kids

Sometimes kids just need a little reminder that school can be exciting, magical, and full of possibility.

1. "You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!" — Dr. Seuss

2. "Be curious, not cool." — Unknown

3. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela

4. "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go." — Dr. Seuss (He’s just so good, right?!)

5. "Mistakes are proof that you are trying." — Jennifer Lim

6. "You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing." — Unknown

7. "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh vibes!)

8. "Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud." — Maya Angelou

9. "Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try." — John F. Kennedy

10. "Don’t worry if you’re not the best at something. Just try your best!" — Me (and probably you too, Mama!)

Funny Back to School Quotes (Because We All Need a Laugh)

Let’s be honest, school isn’t always sunshine and glue sticks. Sometimes, a little humor goes a long way.

1. "The three hardest things to say: I was wrong, I need help, and I have to go back to school tomorrow." — Unknown

2. "If school has taught me anything, it’s how to sleep with my eyes open." — Every teen ever

3. "Back to school: where 'Did you brush your teeth?' becomes a daily battle cry." — Mom wisdom

4. "Why did the kid eat his homework? Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake!" — Classic dad joke

5. "Dear alarm clock: No one likes you. Sincerely, everyone." — Me, every morning

6. "First week of school: Hair done, outfit cute. Second week: Bun, hoodie, coffee." — Real life

7. "Back to school means I finally get to finish a cup of coffee before it turns cold." — Every mom on Monday

8. "I like school… when it’s closed for holidays." — Most kids, honestly

9. "I don’t always go back to school, but when I do… I complain about it." — The Most Unmotivated Student

Encouraging Quotes for the First Day of School

The first day can be scary, new teachers, new kids, and maybe even a new school! Here are some kind words to send them out the door with a smile.

1. "It’s okay to be scared. Being brave means doing it anyway." — Unknown

2. "New year. New adventures. New friends. New you!" — Unknown

3. "First day jitters are totally normal. You’ve got this!" — Mom’s pep talk

4. "Let today be the start of something great." — Unknown

5. "Be yourself. There’s no one better!" — Taylor Swift

6. "A new school year is like a blank notebook, ready for your awesome story!" — Unknown

7. "Say hi to someone new. You might just make a forever friend." — Me again 

8. "Don’t be afraid to shine. The world needs your light." — Unknown

9. "The best part of the first day? You get to start fresh." — Unknown

10. "Your backpack might be heavy, but your heart is strong!" — Totally cheesy, but I love it

Motivational Quotes for Teens and Tweens

Sometimes our big kids need a little extra oomph to face middle school and high school challenges. These quotes are great for locker notes, phone wallpapers, or a quiet reminder that they can do hard things.

1. "Work hard in silence. Let success make the noise." — Frank Ocean

2. "You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward." — Unknown

3. "Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle." — Jon Acuff

4. "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, and learning." — Pelé

5. "Push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you." — Unknown

6. "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." — Suzy Kassem

7. "Be a voice, not an echo." — Albert Einstein

8. "You are allowed to outgrow people, places, and versions of yourself." — Unknown

9. "Being different isn’t a bad thing. It means you’re brave enough to be yourself." — Luna Lovegood, Harry Potter

10. "School may test your memory, but life will test your character." — Unknown

Quotes for Parents (Yep, We Need Encouragement Too!)

Let’s be honest, we’re also starting a new school year. Packing lunches, chasing buses, helping with homework... we deserve a few words of wisdom too.

1. "Behind every successful student is a tired parent." — 100% true

2. "The days are long, but the years are short." — Gretchen Rubin

3. "You’re doing better than you think." — Unknown

4. "Some days you’ll crush it. Some days you’ll cry in the car. That’s motherhood." — Me, again

5. "It’s not about being the perfect parent. It’s about being present." — Unknown

6. "Sending them off to school never gets easier. But watching them grow is so worth it." — All of us

7. "Let them be little, but don’t hold them back from being big." — Unknown

8. "You’ve got this, Mama. You always do." — A little reminder

9. "First-day photos and teary eyes… we’ve all been there." — Back-to-school traditions, right?

10. "A strong coffee and a supportive hug go a long way." — Every back-to-school mom guide ever

Fun Ways to Use These Quotes

Need some ideas for using these quotes beyond just reading them? Here are a few creative ways to spread the good vibes:

• Write one in a lunchbox note each morning

• Stick them on your fridge or mirror

• Use them in your kid’s planner or folder

• Post them on your social media as a back-to-school countdown

• Add one to your teen’s phone lock screen

• Make a mini quote jar to pull from when they need a pick-me-up

Back to school is more than just supplies and schedules. It’s a chance for fresh starts, new friends, and big dreams. These quotes are little reminders that learning is an adventure, and we’re all in it together.

So whether your kid is off to kindergarten with a Paw Patrol backpack or heading into their senior year (cue the tears!), may this school year bring fun, and plenty of laughter.

And if all else fails… there’s always coffee and cute lunch notes.