29 Best Kindergarten Graduation Songs

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Best Kindergarten Graduation Songs

Kindergarten graduation is a special time marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new journey! You'll notice that many songs on this list have to do with friendship, spreading your wings, and experiencing new adventures. Of course, we have plenty of fun sing-alongs, too!

“Thank You” by Patty Shukla

Song year: 2017

As one of the most popular kindergarten graduation songs over the last few years, kids love singing this cheerful song and thanking everyone for all they've done.

The kids thank teachers, staff, parents, and grandparents. It's the perfect song for kindergartners to sing together or use as background music during a slide show for parents.

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Song year: 2013

A list of kindergarten graduation songs wouldn't be complete without this upbeat ditty by Pharrell Williams. Since it's from the movie “Despicable Me 2,” many kids should recognize it.

This one would be fun to do as a sing-along. There's lots of clapping, too.

Trust us when we tell you we've seen lots of little kids gettin' down to this happy tune. Adults, too!

“One Small Voice” by Jack Hartmann

Song year: 2011

No list of songs about kindergarten would be complete without this one. Kids follow along in sign language to this sweet song that every kindergartener will love.

With its dreamy melody and empowering lyrics, kindergarten teachers have treasured One Small Voice for over a decade. It's all about how we can accomplish anything when we work together!

“What I Am” by Will.i.am and the Muppets

Song year: 2010

Will.i.am sang this song in 2010 on Sesame Street with the Muppets. The song tells kids that they are strong and special.

Throughout the tune, the Muppets shout out adjectives describing kids' characteristics, such as proud, friendly, and even grouchy!

The chorus encourages kids to hold their heads up high and keep reaching for the stars.

“Have It All” by Jason Mraz

Song year: 2018

No list of songs about kindergarten would be complete without this happy, uplifting tune by Jason Mraz.

This wonderful song is one that any parent would want to sing to their kindergartner. The lyrics wish the listener a lifetime of happiness and love. The video is fun, too, and features kids of kindergarten age.

“You've Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman

Song year: 1995

Randy Newman wrote this song for the movie “Toy Story.” It has since become the franchise theme song for all four “Toy Story” movies. Most kids know it.

This song makes for excellent kindergarten graduation music because it celebrates the power of friendship. No matter how hard things get, the lyrics remind kids that they always have a friend who has their back!

“Celebration” by Kool and the Gang

Song year: 1980

No list of kindergarten graduation songs would be complete without this classic good-time tune.

Not just for weddings, “Celebration” is one of the most recognized party songs out there. In March 2020, it was inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress!

“Celebration” captures the joyous feeling of kindergarten graduation. It's sure to be a big hit!

“Don't You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds

Song year: 1985

Parents and grandparents will remember this great tune from the 80s movie, “The Breakfast Club.”

The lead singer pleads with his friends not to forget about the great times they shared. It's like that for kindergartners, too, as it will be difficult for them to hold onto their kindergarten memories as they grow older.

“Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson

Song year: 2004

This song about learning how to spread your wings and fly was a mega-hit for Kelly Clarkson.

Undoubtedly, it's been played at all kinds of graduation celebrations since it was released.

Perfect for a kindergarten graduation song, this one pulls all the heartstrings. It would be lovely background music for a slideshow capturing all the year's highlights.

“Thank You for Being a Friend” by Andrew Gold

Song year: 1978

Before this tune became the opening song for the hit show “The Golden Girls,” it was a mega-hit in the late 70s.

Like Andrew Gold sings, kindergartners have traveled down many roads with their classmates over the last year. They certainly have their “pals” and “confidants.”

Parents and family members would love to hear their kindergarteners sing this sweet song at their graduation ceremony!

“I'm Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

Song year: 1991

Learning to fly is a big theme with kindergartners. Like birds preparing to leave the nest, they're about to learn a lot more about the big world around them.

Tom Petty said this song is about trying and failing and trying again. That's what all little kids are about to do as they spread their wings and leave kindergarten.

“Stand by Me” by Ben E. King

Song year: 1961

This song conveys the love and loyalty between friends. It would make lovely background music before the kindergarten graduation ceremony begins.

Kids love to know that their friends have their backs. Even though they're too little to understand what that means, they know when someone is a tattle!

“Firework” by Katy Perry

Song year: 2010

This anthem about empowerment is the perfect kindergarten graduation song. It reminds kids of their worth and tells them to show the world all their beautiful colors.

Kindergartners with older siblings will have heard this one played around the house or on a Kidz Bop CD! It's a fun song that gets them moving and grooving.

“The Bare Necessities” by Phil Harris and Bruce Reitherman

Song year: 1967

Written for the animated movie, “The Jungle Book,” this cute tune reminds kids that they'll get everything they need from life.

The lyrics emphasize that you don't have to worry or fret and reassures kids that everything will

be just fine.

The catchy tune would make for a fun sing-along. The song is upbeat and innocent, perfectly capturing the personalities of kindergartners.

“You're My Best Friend” by Queen

Song year: 1975

Kindergartners are best friends with everyone!

This upbeat classic captures the innocence of friendship. It reminds us all that we are safe with our loved ones, even in bad times.

Having someone to call your best friend makes every day brighter!

“I'll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts

Ill Be There for You by The Rembrandts

Song year: 1994

Many kids will know this song if anyone in their family watches the show “Friends.” It makes for a fun sing-along, clapping included!

The song teaches kids that in friendship, we're there for each other in good times and bad.

The lyrics are a perfect way to celebrate all the magical friendships the kids made during the kindergarten year.

“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

Song year: 1979

This song is a feel-good party anthem. It would be great for the after-party following the graduation celebration.

This song is all about friendship and family. A kindergarten class is like a small community. The kids often become like brothers and sisters!

“Fly” by Avril Lavigne

Song year: 2015

Avril Lavigne wrote and recorded this song for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The video shows athletes preparing for the games and competing with guest appearances from Avril.

The song is tender yet powerful, and it's perfect for kindergarten graduation. It tells kids that they are powerful and encourages them to spread their wings and fly.

“Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” by John Lennon

Song year: 1981

John Lennon wrote this song for his son, Sean. It would be lovely for a kindergarten celebration.

In the song, John talks about how excited he is to watch his son grow up. He also cautions him that life is what happens to us while we're making other plans.

This selection would be a beautiful song to play during the pre-graduation assembly. It's sentimental and may even cause a few tears to flow.

“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

Song year: 1972

When this song first came out in the early 70s, it was a hit. Kids of all ages – and their parents – sang along in their lime-green living rooms all around the U.S.

It's still a fun sing-along and a good kindergarten graduation song. The lyrics remind kids that they'll always have a friend and someone to lean on as they begin their journey through elementary school.

“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion

Song year: 1996

This kindergarten graduation song is the perfect background music for a slide show highlighting the year or during the pre-graduation assembly.

As a real tear-jerker, this song was originally for the movie “Up Close and Personal.” It soon became a mega-hit for Celine Dion and has been played thousands of times at weddings and school dances worldwide.

“Circle of Life” by Elton John

Song year: 1994

Written for the movie “The Lion King,” the hit “The Circle of Life” talks about the journeys we all take from birth onward. It was written by Tim Rice and composed by Elton John.

This song would work well in a slideshow highlighting the kindergarten year's high points. It also would make for beautiful background music during the graduation pre-assembly.

“Over the Rainbow” by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole

Song year: 1989

This contemporary version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was an unexpected smash hit in the late 80s. It is still recognized and loved all around the world.

This selection makes a good kindergarten graduation song because of its lush ukulele chords and beautiful lyrics. It would make for great background music during the pre-assembly or a slideshow featuring the year's highs and lows.

“A Whole New World” by Lea Salonga and Brad Kane

Song year: 1992

This theme song for the movie “Aladdin” was a smash hit back in the early 90s. The lovely duet features lyrics celebrating all the good times to come.

The perfect kindergarten graduation songs often have messages about the future. This song fits the bill. It's pretty and magical and talks of the wonderful world ahead. It would make for beautiful background music on a slideshow about the kindergarten year as it's coming to an end.

“Forever Young” by Rod Stewart

Song year: 1988

This sentimental tune is a love letter to kids. Rod Stewart encourages little ones to be courageous and to be brave.

It's a timeless tune that isn't likely to leave a dry eye in the house. It would make for a fantastic song during a kindergarten year slideshow or post-ceremony festivities.

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis B. Armstrong

Song year: 1967

This timeless classic will have all the parents at the kindergarten graduation ceremony feeling all the feels.

One of the best things about the song is how simple it appears to be on the surface. Dig into the lyrics, and you'll get to all the wonders that are ours to behold.

Kindergartners have their whole lives ahead of them. What a wonderful world!

“Don't Stop Believing” by Journey

Song year: 1981

Here's another song that parents and grandparents will love hearing at the kindergarten graduation ceremony!

With its uplifting message of keeping the faith, this song has become a powerful anthem over the years. There's no reason why kindergartners can't join the fist-pumping fun and belt out their own version!

“Let's Graduate!” by The Kiboomers

Song year: 2015

From their children's album, “Graduation Songs for Preschool and Kindergarten,” comes this upbeat song by the Kiboomers. The tune tells kids to clap their hands, stomp their feet, celebrate, and grad-GRAD-uate!

With its simple beat and lyrics, this song would make a fun sing-along for any kindergarten graduation. In fact, the whole album is full of fun graduation songs!

“(I've Had) the Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

Song year: 1987

The wildly popular theme song from the movie “Dirty Dancing” has had people dancing in clubs and at weddings ever since the film's release. This tune is a tribute to that special person in your life who made things fun for you.

This option is the perfect graduation song because it applies to both teachers and students. Surely, they had the time of their lives during the year they're celebrating!

Top Kindergarten Graduation Songs, Final Thoughts

What are good kindergarten graduation songs? Any songs from above are sure to be a hit. Keep in mind that the more variety of songs you have for the big day, the better.

Some songs will be sing-alongs, others will be upbeat party songs the kids can dance to. And, of course, you'll have the tear-jerkers for mom and dad who are bidding adieu to this special time in their kids' lives.

Party on, kids!

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