Free Printable First and Last Day of School Questionnaire

There's a special excitement that comes with the start of a new school year-shiny school supplies, the buzz of a new classroom, and the anticipation of meeting a teacher's name who might just become a lifelong mentor. As the school season rolls around, parents and educators alike seek meaningful ways to capture this moment in time. That's why I'm thrilled to share this free printable school questionnaire that can be used for any year and grade level-whether it's first grade, middle school, or even high school.

Unlike many templates out there, this single-page questionnaire includes editable fields and blank spaces so you can easily tailor it to your child's needs or preferences. It's a fun way to record favorite things, future aspirations, and memorable details about their child's first day (and even the end of the year if you choose to do a before-and-after comparison). If you're looking for a great way to celebrate the first day of school-without juggling multiple versions for each grade-this single, all-in-one PDF file will be your go-to resource.

Below, you'll find tips for printing, filling it out, using it throughout the 2024-2025 school year, and even ways to incorporate it into your child's academic journey. We'll also chat about how it can supplement traditional printable signs like those "first day signs" or "last day of school signs" you may have seen on social media. Ready to learn more? Keep reading for everything you need to make the most of this free first day of school printables resource!

Why Use a School Questionnaire?

The beginning of the school year is brimming with excitement, nerves, and lots of hope for what's to come. By using a school questionnaire, you're capturing a moment in time that can quickly slip away in the flurry of class routines, field trips, and after-school activities. This single questionnaire is versatile enough to work for first grade or 12th grade, and it's a great idea for:

1. Documenting Growth: It's amazing how much kids change within a single school season. Even if you don't think you'll forget that your child once loved dinosaurs or that they wanted to be an astronaut, time has a way of erasing little details. The questionnaire preserves these fleeting moments.
2. Creating a Keepsake: Nothing beats looking back at old responses about favorite things-like color, book, movie, or even a dream job. Down the road, this sheet becomes a treasured piece of your child's personal history.
3. Sharing on Social Media: While many parents love using cute first day of school signs for photos, this questionnaire can add extra context. Snap a picture of your child holding their completed sheet and post it online for friends and relatives. It's a fun way to let everyone see what your child is excited about this time of year.
4. Tracking the School Journey: From the first day of kindergarten to the day they enter high school, your child's answers provide a window into their evolving interests, dreams, and sense of self.

What's in the Questionnaire?

We've kept the questionnaire intentionally flexible, with text boxes for your child's information. There is no separate version for each grade level or different country-just one single PDF file that lets you fill in whichever details you need. You'll find spaces for:

• Child's Name: The star of the show!
• Grade/Year: A blank space so you can write in "1st Grade," "7th Grade," "Year 3," or whichever stage your child is at.
• Age: Document their age at the beginning of the year (or "end of the year" if you're using it that way).
• Teacher's Name: Because that special person deserves a mention.
• School Name: Also a good reference for future memories.
• Favorite Things: Think color, movie, book, sport, game, food, and animal-those fun facts that might change each year.
• When I Grow Up: This is one of the best parts-kids' career aspirations can change as quickly as the seasons!

How to Print and Use

1. Download the PDF

Look for the link at the bottom of this post to grab your copy of the free printables. Once you have the file, open it on your computer or mobile device.

2. Choose Printing Options

For best results, I recommend using heavy cardstock, especially if you plan to keep this questionnaire for years to come. You can print it at home using your home printer or take it to a local print shop if you prefer professional-quality prints. This is an easy way to ensure the colors (if you choose the colorful signs style) pop and the paper lasts.

3. Fill In the Blanks

Because these questionnaires are an editable first day of school sign style (in the sense that the fields are open for you to type or write in), you can either:

• Type Directly in your PDF viewer (if it supports form-filling).
• Print and Write by hand for a personal touch.

Be sure to note the current school year, whether that's 2024-2025 or any next year.

4. Snap Photos (Optional But Encouraged!)

Want to capture the full effect? Have your child hold their completed questionnaire while you take a photo. It's a fun activity that could replace or complement those popular first day signs. If you're feeling creative, add a small border or place the questionnaire in a picture frame. You can share it on social media or create a personal scrapbook.

5. Save for Later

Keep the filled-in sheet in a binder along with other school worksheets, printable games, or art projects. As time of year goes by, you'll have a chronological record of your child's growth. This is especially rewarding if you do another sheet for the end of the year-compare the two to see how much they've changed in just a few months!

Ideas for Making It Extra Special

Combine with Traditional First Day or Last Day Signs

Many parents love first day of freedom or last day of school signs-those adorable signs that kids hold in photos. If you still want that photo op, you can pair this questionnaire with any cute sign you already have or make yourself. You'll end up with a double-dose of memories: a stylish sign for the picture, plus a deeper record of your child's favorite things.

Turn It Into a Time Capsule

If your child is especially excited about the new school year, consider creating a mini "time capsule" for them. Put the completed questionnaire in a sealed envelope or small box, along with a few trinkets that reflect their current interests (like a drawing of their favorite cartoon character or a note from a best friend). Mark it with "Open on the last day of school" or "Open in 5 years." This adds another layer of excitement!

Use It for Classroom Activities

Teachers can distribute this single-page form on the first week of school. It's a fun way to get to know students' interests, and it can guide class routines or even the selection of printable games for independent work. Students might love sharing their answers with peers, leading to a more connected classroom environment.

Incorporate Math Practice

For younger kids, use the height and shoe-size portion to spark simple math activities. If your child's shoe size is 2 and they're soon to grow into a 3, you can practice subtraction problems or basic addition. For older children, it might become a fun lesson about measurement conversions or data tracking over the school season.

Reward Milestones

If your child sets a goal at the start of the school year-like reading 20 books or joining a new sports club-document it on the questionnaire. Celebrate progress at the end of the year by referencing that initial statement. It can even be a conversation starter about perseverance and achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this questionnaire be used for preschoolers?

A: Absolutely! From first day of preschool right up to 12th grade, any grade level is welcome. Just fill in the blank with whichever year or grade your child is in.

Q: Are these truly free printables?

A: Yes, they're 100% free for personal use. We only ask that you don't sell them. Should you see any affiliate links on this page for recommended supplies or tools, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you-but the questionnaire itself is free.

Q: Is there a place to add a photo?

A: Absolutely, there's a blank spot where you can place a small photo if you'd like, or you can simply staple one to the corner. Some parents prefer to keep a separate photo for social media or scrapbooks.

Q: Can older students use this?

A: Definitely. High school students (including 12th grade) might roll their eyes at first, but you'd be surprised how many teens enjoy looking back on their old responses. Plus, they can fill in more mature answers about their future plans, clubs, or jobs.

Q: What if I need to print at the last minute?

A: No problem. The single-page layout makes it an easy way to print quickly. You can download the PDF file, print it, and fill it in as you're scrambling out the door on that first morning if needed!

Tips for Best Results

1. Paper Quality
   For a lasting keepsake, choose heavy cardstock. If you don't have any on hand, standard printer paper will do just fine-especially if this is a last minute print job.
2. Add Some Color
   Although these forms look nice in black and white, don't be shy about using colorful signs or bright markers. Kids love customizing their questionnaire to reflect their personalities.
3. Be Creative with Photos
   You can slip the finished questionnaire into a picture frame and have your child hold it up for first day of school pictures. This is also a great method for preventing wrinkles and tears.
4. Combine with Other School Worksheets
   Keep the momentum going by bundling this questionnaire with a few fun printable games or school worksheets that focus on reading comprehension, math (like subtraction problems), or creative writing. This transforms the questionnaire into part of a comprehensive school activity.
5. Check the Current Year
   If you're referencing the 2024-2025 school year, make sure you fill that in correctly on the form. The flexible design allows you to write in whichever current year or next year you're documenting.
6. Store for Future
   Tuck the questionnaire away in a binder or memory box, or scan it for a digital keepsake. This helps you compare multiple years if you decide to use the questionnaire again.

Using It on the First and Last Day

While this printable is primarily touted as a first day of school questionnaire, it's just as valuable for the end of the year. By revisiting it months later, your child can fill out any changed answers-like an updated height, new interests, or an exciting event that became their favorite memory. This side-by-side comparison is a great way to see just how much they've grown and learned since the beginning of the school year.

• First Day: Focus on excitement, goals, and predictions for the year.
• Last Day: Reflect on achievements, highlight the best part of the year, and look forward to summer break or next year.

Creating a "before and after" perspective provides an amazing sense of accomplishment for your child-almost like a self-made yearbook page.

Celebrate the School Time Milestones

Every time of year has its own unique joys and challenges. The first days of school are packed with fresh opportunities, while the approach to the end of the year is often filled with nostalgia and a sense of completion. Whether your child is excited about meeting new friends, exploring extracurricular activities, or tackling new academic subjects, a school questionnaire is a fun activity to mark these milestones.

For parents, it's a simple yet meaningful token to remember your child's early impressions of school-maybe they love reading, or perhaps they're enthralled by science experiments. Even if your child's interests shift over the coming months, the questionnaire captures that moment in time perfectly.

Making It Work for Any Grade Level

Since there aren't different options for each grade, you might wonder how to ensure the questionnaire still feels personalized for, say, a first grader versus a high school sophomore. Here's how:

• Adapting Language: For younger kids, you can read the questions to them and help them fill in the blanks. For older students, they can complete it themselves in more detail.
• Adding More Lines: If you need extra space for a talkative middle or high school student, feel free to write on the back or attach a separate sheet of paper.
• Involving Siblings: Each sibling can fill out their own copy, writing their child's name and grade level. Store them together for a family yearbook feel.

This flexibility is what makes a single school questionnaire so powerful-it's not locked into one specific grade or timeframe, and it's broad enough to accommodate a range of experiences.

Beyond the Questionnaire: Additional Ideas

1. Homework or Independent Work
   For teachers, this can serve as a lighthearted assignment for the first week of school. Students can practice their penmanship or typing while filling out the questionnaire.
2. Class Bulletin Board
   If you're in the classroom setting, gather all completed questionnaires, laminate them, and place them on a bulletin board to celebrate each student's unique personality.
3. Field Trips
   Near the end of the year, attach photos from any memorable field trips next to your child's questionnaire. It's a fun way to see how real-life adventures align with their written responses.
4. Gift for Grandparents
   Print an extra copy to give to grandparents or other relatives, especially if they live far away. It's a sweet way for them to connect with your child's interests and experiences.
5. Summer Prep
   On the last day of school, let your child fill out the same questionnaire to reflect on what changed since the beginning of the year. Then, set summer reading or other enrichment goals based on those reflections.

Download Your Free Questionnaire

Below, you'll find a link to download the school questionnaire in PDF format. This resource is entirely free for personal use. Simply click, open, and print for your current school year-or set it aside for next year if you're planning ahead. Because it's one all-inclusive questionnaire, it's perfect for everything from grade school to high school.

Click Here to Download the Free Printable School Questionnaire (Any Grade, Any Year)

Remember, some links on this page might be affiliate links, meaning we could earn a small commission if you purchase any recommended items-such as pens, markers, or laminate sheets-at no additional cost to you. This helps us keep these freebies coming.

Final Thoughts

Marking the first day of school with a school questionnaire is a great way to preserve memories and create a snapshot of your child's personality at the start of each school year. Whether they're beginning first grade or wrapping up middle school, this single template works for any and every grade level you need. It's also flexible enough to become a reflective tool on the last day of school-allowing you to capture that sense of accomplishment and excitement about summer break.

• It's customizable: no different options required.
• It's simple: just print, fill in the blanks, and you're done.
• It's versatile: use it for 2024-2025 school year or any current school year.
• It's memory-focused: celebrate your child's growth from one year to the next.

Pair it with a cute sign if you like, or just hold onto the sheet itself for a keepsake. You can easily store it with other school worksheets, use it as part of a "meet the teacher" activity, or even combine it with printable games for some extra fun. Snap a few first day of school pictures and share the excitement on social media, or tuck it into a photo album for a more private remembrance. Either way, you'll be celebrating one of the best parts of the school time-watching your child grow, learn, and chase their dreams.

Let us know how you're using this questionnaire in your family or classroom, and feel free to drop any creative suggestions in the comments. Wishing you and your child a fantastic beginning of the school year-and an equally memorable end of the year when the time comes!