40 Back-to-School Inspirational Quotes

Updated August 4, 2023 | Infoplease Staff

Are you feeling excited for the new school year? Whether you're starting high school, college, or just a new grade, there's something special about the first day of school.

One of the most influential people in history, Malcolm X, said, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." This motivational quote emphasizes the importance of education in shaping your future and achieving your goals, because, regardless of your background or circumstances, a good education can open doors and provide opportunities for success.

So, to prepare you for the upcoming school year, we've compiled a list of inspirational back-to-school quotes that will motivate and inspire you to achieve your dreams.

40 Back-To-School Quotes

Ultimately, whether you prefer motivational, inspirational, or funny back-to-school quotes, the most important thing is to stay driven and focused as you embark on a new year of learning with these wise words.

"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." — Pele.
"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." — Aristotle.

Photo Source: iStock
"If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." — “Back to the Future”, 1985.
"The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change." — Carl Rogers.
"Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence." — Abigail Adams.
"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." — John Wooden.
"Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential." — John Maxwell.
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." — C.S. Lewis.
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." — John Dewey.
"Just keep swimming." — “Finding Nemo”, 2003.

Photo Source: iStock
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character —that is the goal of true education." — Martin Luther King Jr.
"The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you." — B.B. King.
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." — Dr. Seuss.
"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” — Oprah Winfrey.
"You can never be overdressed or overeducated." — Oscar Wilde.
"You learn something every day if you pay attention." — Ray LeBlond.
"You don't have to be fearless, just don't let fear stop you." — Jenny Han.
"You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can't do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want something, go get it. Period." — “The Pursuit of Happyness”, 2006.
"One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai.

Photo Source: iStock
"Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen." — Conan O'Brien.
"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow." — Anthony J. D'Angelo.
"You have to be unique, and different, and shine in your own way." — Zendaya.
"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." — Helen Keller.
"The difference between school and life? 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 mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling." — “Inception”, 2010.
"Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual." — Jill Biden.
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible!'" — Audrey Hepburn.
"If you can dream it, you can do it." — Walt Disney.

Photo Source: iStock
"The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance." — Dana Stewart Scott.
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." — Abraham Lincoln.
"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." — Michelle Obama.
"I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific." — Lily Tomlin.
"The only thing more expensive than education is ignorance." — E.C. McKenzie.
"Youth is wasted on the young." — George Bernard Shaw.
"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think." — Albert Einstein.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." — Eleanor Roosevelt.
"You have more power than you realize. Don't think, and don't worry... you'll know what to do. It's in your blood." — “The Incredibles”, 2004.
"I think the imperfections in life are what make it beautiful." — Taylor Swift.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela.

Photo Source: iStock
"Change the world by being yourself." — Amy Poehler.

Quotes To Make You Say, “I Can”

In addition to these inspirational and sometimes funny quotes, there are many other quotes that can help motivate and inspire you as you embark on a new year of learning. Why not check out our list of inspirational quotes from X Movies?

And as you prepare for the new school year, remember that the true goal of education is to stay with you for the rest of your life. Whether you're picking out new school supplies, packing your backpack, or packing your lunchbox, embrace the back-to-school season with open arms, and get ready to achieve your dreams. Good luck!