20 Best Kindergarten Graduation Songs for a Memorable Event
Graduation day in kindergarten is one of those sweet, unforgettable moments—tiny caps, big smiles, and proud parents holding back happy tears. Whether you’re a teacher planning the big event or a parent helping your child practice at home, the right music can make all the difference.
From playful singalongs to sentimental tunes that tug at your heart, choosing meaningful kindergarten graduation songs helps set the perfect tone. These songs aren’t just background noise—they’re part of the memory. So if you’re looking for ideas that are fun, easy to sing, and full of joy, this list is for you.
1. “The World is a Rainbow” – Greg & Steve
This cheerful, colorful song by Greg & Steve is a long-time favorite in kindergarten classrooms—and for good reason. “The World is a Rainbow” celebrates diversity, friendship, and acceptance with simple lyrics that are easy for young children to understand and sing. It emphasizes how everyone is different and special, yet we all come together to make the world a beautiful place—just like a rainbow.
Its upbeat tempo and singable melody make it a perfect group performance piece. Many teachers also pair the song with creative visuals, like students holding rainbow-colored props or wearing shirts of different colors. It’s not just fun—it sends a message of unity that’s perfect for a graduation ceremony where kids are moving forward together into a new phase of learning.
2. “Kindergarten Graduation Song” – Miss Molly
Miss Molly’s “Kindergarten Graduation Song” is a go-to choice for its tailor-made lyrics that speak directly to the kindergarten experience. With lines about learning letters, making friends, and getting ready for first grade, it’s like a musical yearbook wrapped in a joyful tune. The song is designed specifically for graduation ceremonies, so the words resonate perfectly with the moment.
Its gentle melody is easy for kids to learn and sing confidently. Many teachers use it as an opening number or finale, sometimes even accompanied by a simple hand-motion routine. It brings just the right mix of nostalgia, pride, and celebration for the occasion.
3. “First Grade, First Grade” (to the tune of “New York, New York”)
This clever parody is a kindergarten classic! “First Grade, First Grade” uses the iconic melody of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” but swaps in hilarious and adorable kid-friendly lyrics about graduating and moving on to first grade. It’s playful, familiar, and has just enough flair to entertain both children and parents.
Kids love the big, bold rhythm, and adults in the audience often crack up at the unexpected twist. It’s great for a group performance with theatrical flair—think sunglasses, mini microphones, or even some choreographed finger snapping. This one never fails to bring smiles and a few giggles.
4. “Count on Me” – Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ hit “Count on Me” is a gentle, feel-good anthem about friendship and reliability—two big themes in a kindergartener’s world. The lyrics emphasize being there for one another, making it a heartwarming tribute to the bonds formed during the school year.
Though it’s originally a pop song, it translates beautifully to the kindergarten setting with a simplified melody or singalong version. Teachers often adapt the chorus for group singing, and the song pairs nicely with a slideshow of classroom moments. It’s a touching way to celebrate the connections kids have made as they head into the next grade.
5. “This Little Light of Mine”
A true classic, “This Little Light of Mine” is beloved across generations. With its simple lyrics and uplifting message, it encourages kids to be confident, kind, and to let their inner light shine. It’s often one of the first songs children learn in school, which makes it even more meaningful at graduation.
This song works wonderfully for solo lines, group verses, or even a call-and-response format. It can be performed a cappella or with light acoustic accompaniment. Many teachers add sign language or hand gestures to bring it to life, making it a powerful moment that’s both joyful and reflective.
6. “What I Am” – will.i.am (Sesame Street)
Created for Sesame Street, “What I Am” is an empowering, upbeat song that celebrates self-esteem and individuality. With lyrics like “I’m strong, I’m proud, I’m gonna shout out loud,” it encourages kids to embrace who they are—perfect messaging for a graduation moment where they’re stepping into something new.
The rhythm is catchy and modern, which helps engage even the wiggliest little ones. Teachers often use the song to highlight each student’s unique strengths, either in spoken lines or personalized slide shows. It’s not just a fun performance piece—it leaves kids feeling confident and ready for first grade.
7. “ABC You Later” – Dr. Jean
Dr. Jean is a beloved name in early childhood education, and “ABC You Later” is one of her most cheerful and catchy songs. This tune combines the alphabet with a playful goodbye message, making it ideal for the end of the school year. It’s short, fun, and packed with positive energy—perfect for kindergarteners who love singing along.
The lyrics are simple and repetitive, which helps even shy students feel confident participating. Teachers often add motions or dance moves to make the performance more dynamic. It’s a sweet and silly way to say farewell with a big smile.
8. “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
Few songs light up a room like Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.” Its bouncy beat and joyful lyrics make it an instant hit with kids and adults alike. While it’s not originally made for graduation, its message of happiness and celebration fits the mood perfectly.
Many kindergarten classes use a karaoke-style version or a simplified chorus to suit young voices. It’s especially fun when paired with dance routines or pom-poms. Whether it’s part of a performance or just background music for a slideshow, “Happy” is guaranteed to get everyone clapping along and feeling great.
9. “Let Them Be Little” – Billy Dean
“Let Them Be Little” is a tender, emotional song that brings tears to many parents’ eyes. The lyrics reflect on how quickly children grow up and encourage us to cherish every moment. It’s not a singalong type of song for kids, but it’s perfect for a photo slideshow or a teacher’s farewell message.
Because of its sentimental tone, it’s often used to close the ceremony or accompany a montage of classroom memories. If you’re aiming for a heartfelt touch that honors both the children and their families, this song hits the emotional sweet spot.
10. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Randy Newman
This iconic tune from Toy Story is both nostalgic and comforting. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” highlights the importance of friendship—something every kindergartener experiences during their first big year of school. The melody is playful, and the lyrics are easy to follow, making it a strong candidate for a group performance.
Many classrooms use this song as a duet or have kids sing while showing photos of their friends throughout the year. It’s fun and lighthearted, yet deeply meaningful—perfect for celebrating the bonds that have formed.
11. “A Whole New World” – Aladdin Soundtrack
“A Whole New World” captures the magical feeling of embarking on something new, which makes it a fitting choice for kindergarten graduation. The song’s theme of exploration and wonder mirrors how kids feel as they take their first big step toward elementary school.
Because it’s a duet, some teachers assign two confident singers to perform it, while others use it as background music for a slideshow or balloon release. Its dreamy quality and inspiring lyrics give the ceremony a touch of Disney magic and leave everyone feeling hopeful for what’s next.
12. “I’m Ready to Go” – Jack Hartmann
Jack Hartmann is a favorite among early educators, and “I’m Ready to Go” is a confident, upbeat anthem that captures the excitement of moving on from kindergarten. The lyrics reinforce skills learned throughout the year while celebrating the readiness for first grade. It’s energetic, motivational, and crafted with young learners in mind.
The rhythm encourages movement, making it ideal for a coordinated performance or dance. Teachers love it for its empowering message, and kids enjoy its fun tempo. It’s a wonderful way to channel all that end-of-year enthusiasm into a joyful celebration.
13. “We’re Moving Up to First Grade” – The Kiboomu Kids
This song is a direct and cheerful tribute to graduation day. With lyrics all about transitioning from kindergarten to first grade, “We’re Moving Up to First Grade” feels like it was written specifically for this moment. The tune is simple and catchy, which makes it easy for even the youngest kids to sing with confidence.
Its steady pace is great for group singing, and some teachers incorporate class photos or a video montage alongside the performance. It’s positive, straightforward, and guaranteed to bring big smiles to the audience.
14. “The More We Get Together” – Traditional
A timeless classic, “The More We Get Together” celebrates friendship and togetherness, two major themes in early education. The lyrics are repetitive and easy to remember, making it ideal for a group singalong. It’s calm and sweet, offering a nice contrast to more upbeat songs in a graduation program.
Some teachers personalize the song by inserting the children’s names or classroom memories into the verses. It’s a lovely way to end the ceremony on a peaceful, heartwarming note that reflects the connections made throughout the year.
15. “Skidamarink” – Traditional
“Skidamarink” is one of those songs that instantly brings a smile to everyone’s face. With its silly wordplay and sweet message of love, it’s perfect for younger children and beloved by generations of kindergartners. The gestures that go along with it—pointing, hugging, waving—add an interactive and adorable touch to any performance.
This song works wonderfully as a closing piece or even as a singalong with the audience. It’s light, joyful, and filled with affection, making it a lovely reminder of the warmth shared in the classroom.
16. “See You Later, Alligator” – Traditional
Playful and full of attitude, “See You Later, Alligator” turns a simple goodbye into a memorable moment. It’s short, easy to learn, and loaded with personality, making it ideal for kids who like to ham it up on stage. The song’s call-and-response style is great for keeping young performers engaged.
Some classes perform it with animal hats or costumes to match the lyrics, adding a fun and theatrical element to the ceremony. It’s a silly sendoff with plenty of charm, perfect for ending the program on a high-energy, humorous note.
17. “Celebrate” – Kool & the Gang
This disco-era hit is the ultimate party anthem, and it’s just as fun for kindergarteners as it is for adults. With its simple and repetitive chorus—“Celebrate good times, come on!”—kids can easily join in, and the upbeat rhythm invites clapping, dancing, and big smiles.
“Celebrate” is often used as a grand finale, turning the end of the ceremony into a full-on dance party. Teachers might let kids freestyle dance, wave streamers, or even invite the audience to stand and move along. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone in a festive mood.
18. “Try Everything” – Shakira (Zootopia)
From the Zootopia soundtrack, “Try Everything” is an inspiring song with a message that fits perfectly with graduation: keep trying, even when things are hard. The lyrics talk about making mistakes and learning from them, which is exactly what kindergarteners have been doing all year.
The beat is energetic and modern, which keeps kids engaged, and the chorus is easy enough for young voices to follow. This song works well for both a group performance or background music during a highlight reel or slideshow. It’s motivational, fun, and totally age-appropriate.
19. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey (Kid-Friendly Version)
“Don’t Stop Believin’” is a powerful anthem of hope and perseverance, and when presented in a kid-friendly format, it can be a magical moment in a graduation ceremony. While the original lyrics may be a bit mature, many educators choose to adapt the chorus or create a custom version with themes that fit the occasion.
Its soaring melody and emotional energy make it a memorable performance piece. Whether it’s sung as a group or used as closing music, it adds a dramatic, uplifting touch that leaves a lasting impression on both kids and families.
20. “My Wish” – Rascal Flatts
This heartfelt ballad is often used in graduation ceremonies of all ages, and it’s especially touching when set to images of a kindergarten class. “My Wish” expresses all the hopes that parents and teachers have for children as they grow—love, success, and happiness.
It’s typically played during a slideshow or quiet moment of reflection, rather than sung by the kids themselves. The lyrics are emotional, the melody is beautiful, and the message is timeless. It’s a gentle way to close the ceremony and send children forward with warmth and good wishes.
