The start of the school year can conjure up a lot of emotions — so, sometimes a mini pep talk is a must. Whether your kids are heading back to class or you’re a teacher starting a fresh year, these quotes about school, learning and the value of education will whet your appetite for knowledge as you head into the new school year.
Back-to-school quotes
Dive into this collection of thought-provoking quotes that serve as gentle reminders of the wonders of education. From the importance of perseverance to the joy of new beginnings, let these words inspire both young minds and seasoned educators as they embark on another year of discovery and growth.
1. Malala Yousafzai on the power of education
“One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world.”
— Malala Yousafzai
Everyone has that one teacher — or, if they’re lucky, a few teachers — who helped unlock their potential and changed the way they see the world. Magical!
2. Oprah Winfrey on education as freedom
“Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.”
— Oprah Winfrey
No matter where you come from or what your situation is, education — in any form — can completely change your world and broaden your horizons.
3. Michelle Obama’s value of degrees and education
“You have to go to college. You have to get your degree. Because that’s the one thing people can’t take away from you is your education. And it is worth the investment.”
— Michelle Obama
Have a child who isn’t jazzed about the first day of school? (Or the many school days that follow?) Try to remind them that, as “boring” as it may seem to them now, it will be worth it in the end. It’s something they’ll have forever.
4. Margaret Mead on teaching critical thinking
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”
— Margaret Mead
The very best teachers strive to teach kids how to figure out the answers, not just how to memorize them.
5. Taylor Swift on new beginnings and change
“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.”
— Taylor Swift
There’s always a chance to start over — especially at the beginning of the school year.
6. Emma Watson on the true essence of school
“I’m not going to school just for the academics. I wanted to share ideas, to be around people who are passionate about learning.”
— Emma Watson
Even for kids who don’t love the “learning” part of school, it’s important to remember that school is about so much more than homework, tests and teachers. It’s also about the people they interact with and the relationships they form.
7. Demi Lovato’s fun take on school life balance
“Work hard, nap hard.”
— Demi Lovato
As far as funny quotes about school go, this one from Demi Lovato is pretty hard to top. Whether she was taking a break from schoolwork or song-writing, one thing is hard to argue with: A well-rested student is a happier student.
8. Meghan Markle on empowering educated women
“When we empower girls hungry for education, we cultivate women who are emboldened to effect change within their communities and globally.”
— Meghan Markle
When a young girl is thirsty for knowledge, embrace it. She’ll go on to do great things for the world.
9. Abraham Lincoln’s wisdom on learning from books
“All I have learned, I learned from books.”
— Abraham Lincoln
When we teach kids a love of books and reading, we give them a great gift.
10. Natalie Portman on embracing the love for school
“I loved school so much that most of my classmates considered me a dork.”
— Natalie Portman
Never let anyone else’s opinion about school affect your opinion of school. Liking school is cool!
Take it from super successful, Harvard-educated Natalie Portman.
11. Zendaya on being authentic in school
“Don’t try so hard to fit in, and certainly don’t try so hard to be different … just try hard to be you.”
— Zendaya
Here’s the perfect back to school reminder to help kids deal with peer pressure: Trying to be something you’re not is never easy — or fun. And it makes school so much more exhausting!
12. Rebel Wilson’s experience of school transformation
“At school, nobody thought I was smart, and I became smart. Nobody wanted to be my friend, and then I had lots of friends.”
— Rebel Wilson
If things are ever rough at school, keep in mind that things can — and often do — change on a dime. One day you may not enjoy a subject or a classmate, and the next, poof! You do!
13. Ken Burns on valuing curiosity over popularity
“Be curious, not cool.”
— Ken Burns
When documentary filmmaker Ken Burns gave the commencement speech to the 2016 graduating class of Stanford, it was those four words that resonated most. If you’re more worried about trying to appear a certain way to people, you’ll be exhausted. If you ask questions — in and out of the classroom — you’ll be smarter.
14. Elizabeth Warren on the foundation of good education
“A good education is a foundation for a better future.”
— Elizabeth Warren
Even though it can be hard when you’re in it, a good education is never a waste of time.
15. Barack Obama on education in a global economy
In a global economy, where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity, it is a prerequisite.”
— Barack Obama
If you’re not a huge fan of school right now, it’s OK. But you have to stick with it, ultimately find something you like and pursue it. Because the lessons you learn at school — in and out of the classroom — will pave the way like no other.
16. Kristen Bell on celebrating individuality and nerdiness
“What was previously perceived as nerdy is now viewed as original. What I like about nerdiness, geekiness, is it doesn’t really matter what you’re into. It just means you’re not a follower.”
— Kristen Bell
Sometimes, it can be hard not to desperately want to fit in at school. But ultimately, the coolest — and truest — thing you can do for yourself is to foster your own likes and interests. Because, as we all know, school is finite.
17. Bill Gates on comparing teachers to bosses
“If you think your teacher is tough, wait ‘til you get a boss.”
— Bill Gates
Sure, teachers can be hard, but guess what? So are bosses!
18. Brene Brown on the importance of self-acceptance in school
“Belonging starts with self-acceptance … Believing that you’re enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect.”
— Brene Brown
Again, wanting to fit in at school and with friends is only natural, but in order to truly belong — which is different than just “fitting in” — you have to love and be true to yourself.
