First Day of School Message | Wishes & Quotes

The first day of school is a fresh start, a chance to build new friendships, set new goals, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a parent sending your child off to school, a teacher welcoming new faces, or someone encouraging a friend, the right first day of school message can set a positive tone.

If you need help writing your first day of school message, QuillBot’s AI writer can get you started.

Happy first day of school

“Happy first day of school” is a good greeting to use when writing someone a first day of school message. However, it’s a bit generic and lacking in emotional warmth.

If writing a message to your child or wishing a teacher a good first day, you’ll probably want to include something a bit more heartfelt in addition to “happy first day of school.”

First day of school wishes

Below are some warmer first day of school wishes you can include in your first day of school message to different people.

For students

Here are some messages you can use to wish students a happy first day of school:

• Good luck on your first day! New year, new adventures await.
• Wishing you a bright start and an even brighter year ahead.
• Here’s to a fresh start full of learning, laughter, and growth.
• Step into the classroom with confidence—you’re ready for this!
• Welcome back to school! You’ve got a whole year to shine.
• Have a blast today—you only get one first day of [grade]!
• Believe in yourself; you can do anything you put your mind to!
• As you make new friends this year, remember to be the friend you’d want to have.
• Today is the first page in a new story. Make it a good one!
• Today is the first step in a new adventure!
• It’s okay to feel nervous on your first day, and we’ll be right here waiting for you!

For teachers

You may also want to wish the teachers in your life a happy first day of school:

• Welcome back to your classroom kingdom. You’ve got this!
• Here’s to a year of meaningful moments and joyful teaching.
• Wishing you inspiration, patience, and the occasional quiet moment.
• The journey begins again—thank you for guiding the way.
• Your impact starts on day one. Have a powerful first day!
• May today remind you why you love what you do.
• Wishing you a great first day and positive connection with your new students.

For parents

The first day of school can be difficult for some parents, so you may want to send them some encouraging words:

• Sending strength and coffee for your first day of school.
• You’ve raised a brave, curious kid who’s going to do great things this year.
• It’s not just their first day—it’s yours too. Be proud.
• Wishing you peace of mind, a smooth routine, and a joyful return.
• Here’s to fewer lunchbox battles and more proud moments ahead.
• You’ve done the prep; now take a deep breath and enjoy the silence.
• Wishing you a swift and smooth transition back into the schooltime routine.

Back-to-school quotes

Including a quote in your first day of school message is a great way to inspire and motivate. Below are some meaningful quotes that work well in a back-to-school context.

Inspirational back-to-school quotes

These inspirational education quotes are good options for students, teachers, or parents:

• “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
• “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” —Arthur Ashe
• “The ability to read, write, and analyze; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications to get your foot in the door and take your seat at the table—all of that starts with education.” —Michelle Obama
• “When someone takes away your pens, you realize quite how important education is.” —Malala Yousafzai

Back-to-school quotes for students

These encouraging quotes for students can send an uplifting message to a child, teen, or young adult who may need a bit of support on their first day of school:

• “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so … get on your way!” —Dr. Seuss
• “The expert in anything was once a beginner.” —Helen Hayes
• “From my experience, the most creative minds learn to educate themselves.” —Noam Chomsky
• “A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers.” —Helen Keller
• “The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” —B.B. King

Back-to-school quotes for teachers and parents

You might also want to incorporate quotes for teachers or parents into the first day of school messages you send them:

• “A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.” —Unknown
• “Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions.” —Unknown
• “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.” —C. S. Lewis
• “Behind every young child who believes in themselves is a parent who believed first.” —Matthew Jacobson
• “Our children are the living messages we send to a world we will never see.” —Elijah Cummings

First day of school message template

Not sure what to say? Use the template below to craft a thoughtful first day of school message. You can also paste the template into QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to tweak the wording to better match your style and tone.

Frequently asked questions about happy first day of school

What are some back to school prayer quotes?

Some back-to-school prayer quotes are:

• Lord, be with every student returning to school. Guide their steps and calm their hearts.
• God, grant wisdom to teachers, patience to parents, and courage to students.
• Let this school year be filled with peace, purpose, and growth under Your care.
• May each classroom be a place of safety, kindness, and learning.

You can incorporate these back to school prayer quotes in a first day of school message. For more quotes, ask QuillBot’s AI Chat.

What are some funny back to school quotes?

Some funny back-to-school quotes are:

• “Respect your parents. They passed school without Google.”–Unknown
• “There is only one thing bigger than a kindergartner’s curiosity, and that’s their backpack.” –Unknown
• “You can drag my body to school but my spirit refuses to go.” —Bill Watterson
• “In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” —Tom Bodett

You can include one of these funny back-to-school quotes in a first day of school message. For help finding the right words and getting the right tone for your message, use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser.

What are some welcome back to school quotes?

Some welcome back to school quotes are:

• “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” —Aristotle
• “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” —Malcolm X
• “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” —Malala Yousafzai
• “This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.” —Taylor Swift
• “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” —Chinese Proverb

You could include one of these welcome back to school quotes in a first day of school message for students. To get more quotes or inspiration, try QuillBot’s AI Chat.