First Day of School Printables

Every August, I tell myself I’m going to be completely ready for the first day of school. Then somehow it still sneaks up on me! Between shopping for school supplies, meeting teachers, filling out paperwork, and making sure everyone has the right backpack and shoes, the morning can feel more hectic than exciting. That’s exactly why I started creating these First Day of School printables—to make one small part of the day easier while helping families capture memories they’ll treasure for years.

I wanted this collection to feel a little different from the traditional chalkboard signs you see everywhere. Instead of another plain rectangle, I designed a printable schoolhouse that’s fun for kids to hold in their first-day photos, along with an apple handprint keepsake that’s perfect for younger children. My goal was to create printables that are not only cute, but practical too. They’re easy to print, simple to assemble, and designed so you can spend more time making memories and less time preparing for them.

This page is just the beginning of a growing collection of First Day of School printables. I’ll continue adding new designs over time, so whether you’re looking for photo signs, keepsakes, or other back-to-school printables, you’ll always find fresh ideas here to help celebrate the start of a new school year.

Schoolhouse First Day of School Sign Printable

There’s something so special about those first day of school pictures. Years from now, you’ll look back at those tiny backpacks, missing teeth, and excited smiles and remember just how quickly the years flew by. I wanted to create a printable that felt a little different from the traditional signs, so I designed this fun schoolhouse that’s just as cute in photos as it is easy to put together.

Quick Highlights

• Easy to print
• Simple to cut
• Great for first-day photos
• Reuse every year if laminated

Simply print the PDF, write in your child’s information, cut around the outside, and you’re ready for picture day! The blank spaces let you personalize the sign for preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school, making it a keepsake you’ll look forward to using each year.

Schoolhouse Sign Includes:

• First Day Of ________
• I Am ________ (age goes here)
• I Am _______ (height goes here)
• Blank area for the school year or another special detail

Apple Handprint Keepsake First Day of School Printable

Tiny hands don’t stay tiny for long, which is why handprint keepsakes are always some of my favorite school memories. This printable turns your child’s painted handprint into a sweet apple that you’ll love pulling out years from now. It’s a simple project that’s perfect for preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, and the early elementary years.

Whether you frame it, tuck it into a memory box, or add it to your child’s school scrapbook, it’s an easy way to remember the beginning of another exciting school year.

Download Your First Day of School Printable – Schoolhouse

Download the Schoolhouse Sign Printable

Download Your First Day of School Printable – Apple Keepsake

Perfect For

• Preschool
• Pre-K
• Kindergarten
• 1st Grade
• Memory books
• Classroom keepsakes

Download the Apple Handprint Keepsake Printable

How to Print First Day of School Printables

These printable PDFs are designed to print easily at home using a standard printer.

For the best results, I recommend using white cardstock. It creates a sturdier sign that’s easier for little hands to hold and photographs beautifully outdoors.

Printing Tips

• Print at 100% or Actual Size
• Use white cardstock for the best durability
• Regular printer paper works for the handprint keepsake
• Choose the Best print quality setting if your printer offers it
• Let the ink dry completely before writing on the printable

If you’d like to reuse the sign, laminate it and fill in the information with a dry erase marker each school year.

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How to Cut Out the Schoolhouse First Day of School Sign

When I designed this printable, I wanted it to be fun and practical.

Some printable photo props have lots of tiny details that take forever to cut out. I intentionally kept the schoolhouse simple, so you’ll spend less time with scissors and more time taking pictures.

You’ll only need a few easy cuts around the outside of the printable. The simple design is perfect for busy school mornings when you don’t have time for complicated crafts or tiny details.

You’ll Need

• Printed schoolhouse sign
• Scissors
• Cardstock (recommended)
• Marker or pen

Simply:

1. Print the schoolhouse sign.
2. Fill in your child’s information.
3. Cut around the outside of the schoolhouse.
4. Snap your favorite first day of school photos!

That’s it!

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First Day of School Photo Ideas

The first day of school only comes once each year, so have fun capturing the excitement! Along with the classic “standing on the front porch” picture, try taking a few extra photos that you’ll love looking back on later.

Picture Ideas

Before School

• Porch
• Bus stop
• Backpack

At School

• School entrance
• Teacher
• Classroom door

Fun Family Photos

• Siblings
• Silly picture
• Handprint

Tip: Take several photos instead of just one. Some of the biggest smiles happen after the “official” picture is over!

More Back-to-School Printables & Activities

• 🍦 All About Me Ice Cream Cone Printable
• 🍎 Apple Crafts for Kids like this Preschool Apple Craft (broad authority page)
• 🎨 Back to School Crafts for Kids
• 👩‍🏫 Teacher Gift Ideas

I hope these First Day of School printables help make the start of a new school year even more memorable. Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back often—I plan to keep adding new printable signs, keepsakes, and back-to-school activities each year!