40+ Unique School Yearbook Quote Ideas

It's that time of year- exams are nearly over with and the kids are getting ready to move on to their next great adventure. One of my favourite things about leaving school is the yearbook - a paper-based, tangible keepsake filled with reminders and stories of friendships, learning and the adventure that has been growing from an 11 year old child into an almost-adult. 

But, with the yearbook comes the inevitable question:

What should I put as my yearbook quote?

Your yearbook quote should be a reflection of your personality and your time at school. You could choose to keep it short and sweet, funny, or perhaps choose some words of inspiration to offer out. It's got to be your choice, but we've gathered together some of our favourite yearbook quote ideas here for you. 

How long should a yearbook quote be?

Keep it short. Like 1-2 short lines. Your yearbook quote will sit underneath your photo, so definitely aim for 20 words or less if you can. It's always worth checking with the yearbook editing team for a character limit. 

Generally, you are allowed to use famous quotes, lyrics, book or movie quotes, but keep it PG and include who originally said it or where it's from. 

Short & Sweet Yearbook Quotes

• Just getting started
• Thanks for all of the memories
• The road was long but the view is worth it.
• Adventure awaits
• Here's to everything after this
• This is the beginning of anything you want.

Funny Yearbook Quotes

• I don’t know what to write, can you just put some quote in for me?
• Thanks to school, I learned to right more good
• I spent 5 years here and all I got was this picture.
• I survived. That's the whole quote.
• My parents said I could do anything, so I did the minimum.
• I'm not lazy. I'm on energy-saving mode.
• I was told there would be snacks.
• I’d like to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever invented copy and paste.
• School: where you’re told ‘you’ll need this in the real world’ while sitting in maths class.
• If school has taught me anything, it’s that I can survive on 2 hours of sleep and a bag of crisps.
• I'm actually not funny, I'm just mean and people think I'm joking.
• Thank you, next.
• My attention span peaked in 2023. I compensated with personality.
• One day I will rule the world.
• School was easy. It was like riding a bike. Except the bike was on fire and the ground was on fire and everything was on fire because it wasn’t easy
• If you’re reading this, future me, put down this book and do something more productive.
• The hardest goodbyes are the ones you didn't see coming - we all knew this one was coming.
• It's not goodbye. It's see you on LinkedIn.

Inspirational Yearbook Quotes

• If you follow your dreams, you are capable of anything
• “You’ve changed me forever. And I’ll never forget you.” ― Kiera Cass, The Elite
• "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." — C.S. Lewis
• "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." — Henry David Thoreau
• “We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we will take a little of each other everywhere.” —Tim McGraw
• “It’s not the days in life we remember, rather the moments.” –Walt Disney
• “Its hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.”― Dolly Parton
• “I haven’t met the new me yet.” ― Taylor Swift

Memorable Goodbye Yearbook Quotes

• "So long, and thanks for all the fish." — Douglas Adams
• When the last bell rings, I might actually miss this place
• “Farewell! God knows when we shall meet again.” –William Shakespeare
• “See you later, alligator.” –Bill Haley and the Comets
• "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads." – Doc Brown, Back to the Future
• "In case I don't see you, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight." – Truman Burbank, The Truman Show
• "So long, partner." – Woody, Toy Story 3
• “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once and a while you might miss it.”  – Ferris Bueller
• "That'll do, Pig. That'll do." – Farmer Hoggett, Babe
• "Adios, amigos!"  – Genie, Aladdin
• "Hasta la vista, baby" – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Yearbook Quote Top Tips

Don't try to blend in. My son's yearbook has at least 17 peers who wrote "Prisoner [candidate number] has been released from their 5 year sentence". Don't be like everyone else! 

Pick words that say something about who you were during your time at school - were you one of the book-smart, reading types? If so, pick a quote from your favourite book. Were you a music-lover? Choose your favourite lyrics. Movie-buff? It's gotta be a movie quote ...you get the idea.

Final Thoughts

While deciding what to write in your yearbook can feel like a huge pressure, it doesn't have to be. You don't have to choose something deep and meaningful if you don't want to, and you don't have to write an essay. In fact, shorter is often better because it can be more impactful. 

Whatever you choose to write for your yearbook quote, make sure it reflects who you are. Write something that future-you can look back on and say, "oh yes, that is exactly what I was like in school." 

And whatever new adventure you move on to in September, you'll always have your yearbook to look back on.