Kindergarten Graduation Musical Selections: Complete Guide for Celebrations, Videos, and Performances

Back to School Preschool Age (3–6 Years)

By  Pastory Team  |  27.11.2025  |  Upd. 27.11.2025

Stepping out of kindergarten or preschool and moving up to first grade is a major and meaningful milestone for little ones and their families. This graduation ceremony marks the end of an incredible journey filled with learning, friendship, and growth. Choosing the perfect graduation musical piece is essential, as the right melody can transform a simple event into a fun and meaningful celebration that everyone will remember.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help teachers and parents select the best kindergarten graduation songs and music for every part of the event. We’ll cover everything from heartwarming or even tear-jerking ballads for a graduation slideshow to upbeat anthems for the kids to sing during the ceremony. Whether you are looking for songs to make your graduation this year memorable or searching for that one musical selection for kindergarten that speaks to new beginnings, you’ll find inspiration here to create a playlist that perfectly captures the joy, pride, and bittersweet emotion of the day.

Sentimental Kindergarten Graduation Songs

Sentimental kindergarten graduation songs are the heart of the ceremony. They are the tracks that pull on the heartstrings, often used for the opening, during the certificate presentation, or set to a backdrop of cherished photos in a video montage. The mood is typically soft, reflective, and deeply meaningful, reminding children and parents alike of the wonderful time spent together. Teachers often rely on these musical selections to mark this significant transition as kindergarteners prepare for the next grade.

Sweet Farewell Songs for Ceremony Moments

These tracks create a warm, gentle atmosphere perfect for those quiet, reflective moments.

• “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (Randy Newman, Toy Story): This classic song is all about lasting friendship, making it a favorite song for saying farewell.
• “A Moment Like This” (Kelly Clarkson): A lovely, gentle piece that celebrates a significant life milestone.
• “This Is the Moment” (Leslie Bricusse & Frank Wildhorn): An anthem about seizing the opportunity, a perfect fit for marking the graduation day.

Emotional Music About Growth and Friendship

Choosing a graduation song or musical piece that highlights the journey of learning and the bonds of friendship can be incredibly touching.

Soft Melodies for Slideshow Background Music

The graduation slideshow is a highlight, and the music needs to enhance the visuals without overpowering them. These softer pieces are ideal for a photo or video montage of school year memories.

• “You’ll Be in My Heart” (Phil Collins, Tarzan): This sweet song is a staple because the lyrics beautifully convey enduring love and care from teachers and parents.
• “My Wish” (Rascal Flatts): A lovely track expressing hopes and dreams for the children’s futures.
• “The Bare Necessities” (Terry Gilkyson, The Jungle Book): A calming, nostalgic tune that reminds them to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Energetic Kindergarten Graduation Songs

While sentiment is important, a kindergarten graduation also needs fun and upbeat selections! These tracks set a joyful tone, keep the little ones engaged, and are often used for transitions, group performances, or the closing moments of the graduation ceremony.

Upbeat Music for Entrance and Exit

Use these catchy song options to kick off or wrap up the ceremony with a bang.

• “Happy” (Pharrell Williams): An iconic upbeat choice that perfectly captures the joy on their faces and is a great way to start the graduation day.
• “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” (Justin Timberlake): A lively, dance-friendly track that is perfect for kindergarten celebrations.
• “Good Job” (Alicia Keys): A positive track for a celebratory exit, celebrating their achievement.

Dance-Friendly Songs for Kids’ Performances

Nothing melts hearts quite like seeing the children sing and dance on stage! These are great for simple classroom performance routines.

• “ABC” (The Jackson 5): A classic, rhythmic track that kids can easily move and sing along to.
• “I Like to Move It” (Reel 2 Real / Madagascar): A fun, high-energy track that guarantees lots of movement and excitement.

Catchy Tunes for Party and Celebration Time

Once the formal part is over, turn up these lively selections for a classroom party or end of the year celebration.

• “The Macarena” (Los del Río): A timeless party hit with simple moves that kids can easily follow.
• “Y.M.C.A.” (Village People): An absolute must for any celebration where you want the parents and teachers to join in.

Kindergarten Songs About Moving Up to First Grade

The core message of graduation is moving forward. Tracks specifically themed around the “next chapter” are the perfect addition to the ceremony. These help ease the transitional time and instill pride in becoming a first grade student.

Musical Selections Highlighting Confidence and Progress

These pieces celebrate how much the children have grown and learned, reminding them of their capabilities.

• “Brave” (Sara Bareilles): An anthem about speaking up and being courageous—a wonderful message for the next grade.
• “I’m a Little Bit Older” (Original/Traditional): A simple, age-appropriate tune that directly addresses the concept of growing up.

Moving Up Theme Songs for Group Performances

These are frequently used for stage routines and are widely recognized as end of the year songs.

• “Next Stop, First Grade!” (Original/Educator Songs): Many educators use simple, custom-written tunes with a focus on first grade excitement.
• “We’re Moving On” (Various Children’s Artists): Musical pieces that use the phrase “moving on” or “next step” are often chosen as the central song that celebrates the transition.

Graduation Lyrics That Celebrate Milestones

Look for graduation songs with lyrics about achievement, learning success, and future steps.

Fun & Upbeat Kindergarten Graduation Songs

Combining the sheer joy of achievement with high energy, these selections ensure the event is a true celebration. They are great choices if your event theme leans towards fun and casual.

Pop-Inspired Tracks Kids Love Singing Along To

Choose modern pieces that are kid-friendly but have that recognizable, upbeat pop sound.

• “Try Everything” (Shakira, Zootopia): A vibrant, optimistic choice that encourages perseverance and is a great song for group singing.
• “Something Just Like This” (The Chainsmokers & Coldplay): A catchy selection that, while about heroes, can be framed about finding strength in oneself.

Classroom-Friendly Musical Pieces With Positive Messages

These tracks focus on happiness, kindness, and motivation, making them perfect for pre-k and kindergarten.

• “I Can Do That” (Sesame Street): Any selection from Sesame Street is a reliable source of age-appropriate content, promoting confidence and ability.
• “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” (Jackie DeShannon): A classic message of kindness that parents love to hear.

High-Energy Selections for Closing the Celebration

End the graduation ceremony on a celebratory high that sends the children on their way into the next chapter.

• “September” (Earth, Wind & Fire): An infectious, timeless funk track that can’t help but make people smile.
• “Don’t Stop Me Now” (Queen): The ultimate high-energy exit piece for a triumphant class.

Classic Kindergarten Graduation Songs

Sometimes, the most comforting and meaningful choices are the classics. These tunes are simple, universally recognized, and provide a sense of tradition and nostalgia that parents and loved ones appreciate.

Traditional Graduation Melodies for Young Children

These gentle, familiar melodies are easy for kindergarteners to learn and perform.

• “Skidamarink” (Traditional): A very simple, beloved tune perfect for kindergarten voices to perform as a farewell.
• “Make New Friends” (Traditional Round): A lovely song for kids about cherishing current friends while looking forward to new ones.

Time-Tested Musical Pieces About Learning and Friendship

These classics offer simple yet meaningful messages about the school year.

• “This Little Light of Mine” (Traditional Spiritual): A message of shining bright and letting one’s light show, a wonderful metaphor for their growth.
• “The More We Get Together” (Traditional): Emphasizes community and belonging, a sweet tune for preschool memories.

Songs That Parents and Teachers Recognize and Love

These nostalgic tracks can bring a tear to an adult’s eye, making the event even more special for the whole family.

• “Puff, the Magic Dragon” (Peter, Paul and Mary): A bittersweet piece about growing up and the end of childhood play.
• “Teach Your Children” (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young): A beautiful intergenerational message that resonates with teachers and parents.

Disney Kindergarten Graduation Songs

Disney music is a fantastic choice because it is already familiar, uplifting, and highly emotional. They offer a range of moods, making them suitable for both quiet and upbeat moments.

Uplifting Disney Songs About Courage and Dreams

These motivate the children as they embark on their new adventure.

• “How Far I’ll Go” (Auliʻi Cravalho, Moana): An inspirational piece about finding your path and being brave.
• “When You Wish Upon a Star” (Pinocchio): The quintessential Disney theme of dreams coming true.

Gentle Disney Tracks for Emotional Moments

Perfect for the graduation slideshow or certificate presentations, these sweet song choices offer a sense of comfort.

• “You’ll Be in My Heart” (Phil Collins, Tarzan): A true tear-jerking song that expresses the lasting bond between the children and the school community.
• “Go the Distance” (Michael Bolton, Hercules): A powerful but gentle ballad about overcoming challenges.

Fun Disney Songs for Group Performances

Choose energetic sing-alongs for children’s stage routines.

• “Hakuna Matata” (The Lion King): A carefree, fun tune about not worrying—a great way to send them off to their summer break.
• “We’re All in This Together” (High School Musical): A highly energetic and appropriate sing along choice about teamwork and community.

Kindergarten Graduation Songs for Video and Slideshow

The graduation slideshow is a cherished keepsake. The music must have the right tempo and lyrical relevance to perfectly complement the photos of the little ones from the first day of school to the end of the year.

Soft Background Music for Photo Slideshows

The ideal background piece here is calm, allowing the viewer to focus on the images and memories.

• “Better Together” (Jack Johnson): A calm, acoustic track with lovely lyrics about friendship and memories.
• “Here Comes the Sun” (The Beatles): A peaceful, hopeful classic that signifies new beginnings.

Inspirational Selections for Highlight Reels

For highlight reels showcasing achievements and fun moments, you want something a bit more uplifting.

• “I Believe I Can Fly” (R. Kelly): A classic motivational piece about soaring high and achieving potential.
• “Something New” (an upbeat pop style): Look for a catchy song that focuses on positivity and looking ahead.

Royalty-Free Musical Options for Public Sharing

If you plan to post the video online, using royalty-free music is crucial to avoid copyright issues. Search platforms like Epidemic Sound or Artlist for:

• Acoustic Uplift: Tracks with simple guitar and piano focusing on a positive, gentle mood.
• “Kids’ Graduation Theme”: Generic, inspiring instrumental pieces designed specifically for this purpose.

Tips to Choose Kindergarten Graduation Songs

Selecting the music is a key responsibility for teachers and parents. The right song choices should be age-appropriate and align with the overall mood you want to create.

Things to Consider When Selecting Music

• Age Suitability: Ensure the lyrics or message are easily understood and appropriate for pre-k and kindergarten.
• Performance Goals: Is the piece meant for the kids to sing? If so, choose a simple song for kindergarten and in a suitable key.
• Tempo and Mood: Mix slow, reflective musical choices with upbeat and fun selections to maintain audience engagement.
• Audience: Remember that parents and loved ones will be listening; choose some familiar songs that parents will recognize and enjoy.

Matching Musical Style with Event Theme

• Formal Ceremony: Lean into classic song choices and gentle, sentimental tracks.
• Fun/Playful Theme: Prioritize upbeat pop-inspired pieces or Disney songs for kindergarten graduation (like Toy Story or Jungle Book).
• Outdoor Event: Choose high-energy, infectious music that encourages movement and celebration.

Creating a Balanced Graduation Playlist

A great playlist flows seamlessly, mixing emotional highs with fun, celebratory moments.

1. Opening/Entrance: Start with an energetic or proud track (Bruno Mars-style).
2. Slideshow/Certificates: Use soft, heartwarming tracks (Phil Collins’ “You’ll be in my heart”).
3. Group Performance: Fun and meaningful musical song ideas the children have rehearsed.
4. Transition/Closing: End on a powerful, positive note that looks toward first grade (Taylor Swift has great new beginnings tracks).

Kindergarten Graduation Songs Playlist

This categorized list provides excellent suggestions for creating a well-rounded and engaging graduation celebration.

Top Picks for 2025 Celebration Season

• “Good as Hell” (Lizzo): An empowering, fun and meaningful choice about feeling great.
• “Count on Me” (Bruno Mars): A sweet song about friendship and reliability.
• “The Climb” (Miley Cyrus): An inspirational track about the journey, not the destination.

Teacher-Recommended Songs for Performances

These are the tried-and-true tracks that educators use year after year because they are simple and impactful.

1. “This Is Me” (The Greatest Showman): Empowering and dramatic for a big group performance.
2. “Let Them Be Little” (Billy Dean): A tear-jerking song that resonates with teachers and parents about the passage of time.
3. “I’m Growing Up” (Children’s Educational Track): Simple lyrics are easy for little ones to memorize.

Parent-Favorite Musical Pieces for Emotional Impact

These are the pieces that parents love because they perfectly capture the pride and emotion of the day.

• “Sunrise, Sunset” (Fiddler on the Roof): A classic, beautiful reflection on children growing up quickly.
• “Forever Young” (Rod Stewart or Bob Dylan): A classic sentiment wishing the best for the future.

How to Use Kindergarten Graduation Songs

Music can structure the entire graduation ceremony flow, making it clear, engaging, and memorable.

Musical Selections for Ceremony Flow

Music Tips for Slideshow Editing

• Pacing: Ensure photo transitions match the music’s tempo or beat changes. A soft background song with a steady rhythm works best.
• Lyric Alignment: Try to match photos of specific events (like field trips) with relevant lyrics.
• Volume: Keep the music just loud enough to be heard clearly but quiet enough so that parents can still hear each other or the presenter.

Creative Ways to Include Kids in Music Performances

Involving the little ones makes the ceremony far more engaging for them and the audience.

• Simple Choreography: Teach basic hand motions or two-step routines they can easily sing along with.
• Call-and-Response: Use tunes that have simple repeating phrases for the children to sing.
• Sign Language: Incorporate basic sign language for key words in the song for kids for visual interest and learning.

 FAQs About Kindergarten Graduation Songs

We know teachers and parents have common questions when preparing for the big day.