Raising Kids Big Kids Education Back to School The Parents Guide to Back to School 2021 Finally, for real this time, no fooling. Our kids are donning backpacks, lugging lunch boxes, and heading into classrooms five days a week. And because this cathartic moment calls not only for celebration but also for preparation, Parents presents a crash course in getting ready. Our full-to-bursting guide covers every aspect of this transition, from supercool first-day outfits and six of the cutest lunches that ever lunched to helping an anxious kid psych up for the return or a struggling reader play catch-up. As you hold tight to the lessons of that long stint at home—about togetherness and what matters most—try to savor this miraculous occasion: Our kids are back where they ought to be, ready to thrive, grow, and learn. Class is in session! By Parents Editors Published on August 2, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Read More: An Age-by-Age Guide to 11 Basic Life Skills to Teach Kids Before Going Back to School 7 Fun Tips from Real Parents for Giving Your Kid the Best First Day of School Ever 8 Trendy Back-to-School Outfit Ideas for Every New Student 5 Big Back-to-School Challenges and How to Tackle Them 6 Creative School Lunch Ideas for Kids 6 Ways to Help Your Child Catch Up On Learning 11 Things Teachers Want You to Know this Back-to-School Season Jordan, 5, kindergarten What I ♥ About School"Making friends, and wearing my Minecraft backpack!" — Jordan, 5, kindergarten By Cheryl Lock, Photograph by Tim Marsella Lucia, 5, kindergarten What I ♥ About School"Playing in person, and snacktime." — Lucia, 5, kindergarten Gianna, 6, first grade What I ♥ About School"Having no rest time, and that's good because I don't even like it." — Gianna, 6, first grade Elizabeth, 6, first grade What I ♥ About School"Making new friends and going to the cafeteria. It's like a restaurant." — Elizabeth, 6, first grade Kloee, 10, fourth grade What I ♥ About School"Wondering what I'm going to learn each day!" — Kloee, 10, fourth grade Jasper, 7, second grade What I ♥ About School"Being in a real classroom that never glitches." — Jasper, 7, second grade Rori, 8, third grade What I ♥ About School"Seeing who my teacher is. I hope they're as nice as last year's. And I like the muffins at breakfast." — Rori, 8, third grade Ethan, 10, fifth grade What I ♥ About School"Making my class laugh, and playing basketball with my friends." — Ethan, 10, fifth grade Abe, 8, third grade What I ♥ About School"On the last day, we had every snack you can imagine. I bet we'll get to do that again." — Abe, 8, third grade Kadence, 9, fourth grade What I ♥ About School"Seeing my friends. Also, the school's chicken and noodles. Don't tell anyone that part." — Kadence, 9, fourth grade This article originally appeared in Parents magazine's September 2021 issue as "We're Back!" Want more from the magazine? Sign up for a monthly print subscription here Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit