The start of a new school year can bring a mix of excitement and nervousness. Whether your child is heading to kindergarten, middle school, high school, or learning at home, God’s Word is the perfect place to find courage, wisdom, and peace.

Reading a Bible verse together before school is a simple way to remind children that God is always with them, no matter what challenges the day may bring.

Below are some of our favorite Bible verses to encourage kids as they begin a new school year.

1. Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This is one of the best back-to-school Bible verses because it reminds children they never walk into school alone. Whether they’re making new friends, meeting a new teacher, or learning something difficult, God promises to be with them.

Talk About It:

  • What makes you feel nervous about school?
  • How does knowing God is with you help?

2. Trust God Every Day

Proverbs 3:5–6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Sometimes school doesn’t go as planned. This verse teaches kids to trust God even when things feel confusing or hard.

Prayer Idea:
“God, help me trust You today, even when I don’t understand everything.”

3. Don’t Be Afraid

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand“

Starting a new school year can feel scary, but God promises to strengthen and help us.

Challenge: Write this verse on a sticky note and place it inside your child’s backpack or lunchbox.

4. God Gives Us Peace

Philippians 4:6–7

“Do not worry, pray about everything, and God’s peace will guard your heart.”

Instead of worrying about school, tests, or friendships, we can pray and give our worries to God.

Activity Idea: Have your child draw or write one thing they’re worried about, then pray together before school.

5. I Can Do All Things

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Whether it’s learning multiplication, reading a new book, or making a presentation, Jesus gives us strength.

6. God Has Good Plans

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Children may not know what this school year will bring, but God does. He has good plans and cares deeply for them.

7. Let Your Light Shine

Matthew 5:16

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

School is a wonderful place to show kindness, honesty, and love.

Encourage your child to:

  • Invite someone to play.
  • Help a classmate.
  • Use kind words.
  • Include others.

These simple actions help others see God’s love.

8. Ask God for Wisdom

James 1:5

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

God loves answering prayers for wisdom.

Before a test or difficult assignment, encourage your child to pray:

“Jesus, help me learn and make wise choices today.”

9. God Gives Strength

Isaiah 40:31

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Some school days feel long and exhausting.

This verse reminds children that God renews our strength when we trust Him.

10. Love Others

John 13:34–35

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

One of the most important things children can do at school isn’t earning perfect grades—it’s loving others the way Jesus loves us.

Ways to Use These Bible Verses

Try making these verses part of your family’s back-to-school routine:

  • Read one verse each morning before school.
  • Memorize one verse each week.
  • Add scripture cards to lunchboxes.
  • Keep verses in a backpack pocket.
  • Pray together before leaving the house.
  • Display the verses on the refrigerator.
  • Color a scripture coloring page after reading each verse.

Download Your Free Coloring page

Make these encouraging Bible verses easy to remember with our free printable Back-to-School Coloring page.

Back to School Cards

You can download these fun Back to School cards. They include 16 back to school affirmations, or 16 back to school prayers, and mini cards!

More Christian Back-to-School Printables

If you’re looking for more faith-filled ways to start the school year, check out these printable activities:

Back to School Verses

Whether you read one verse each morning, tuck a Scripture card into a lunchbox, or pray together before heading out the door, these small moments can have a lasting impact on your child’s faith. As they grow in knowledge at school, may they also grow in their love for God and confidence in His promises.

Wishing you and your family a school year filled with learning, friendship, joy, and the assurance that “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).