20+ Best Preschool Graduation Songs to Make Their Big Day Special

20+ Best Preschool Graduation Songs to Make Their Big Day Special

20+ Best Preschool Graduation Songs to Make Their Big Day Special

September 2, 2025

20+ Best Preschool Graduation Songs to Make Their Big Day Special

Graduation day for preschoolers is a heartwarming moment. Tiny caps, proud parents, and little voices ready to sing their hearts out, it’s pure magic. 
Songs set the tone, bring emotions to life, and create those “happy tears” moments parents will never forget. 

But here’s the big question: Which songs should you pick?

You don’t want anything too hard, too dull, or too grown-up. You want fun, simple, and meaningful songs that will make the ceremony extra special.
Looking for gifts? Check out our blog: 20+ Best Preschool Graduation Gifts for Kids.

Why Graduation Songs Matter

Graduation songs do more than just fill the silence—they create lasting memories. According to experts at PBS Kids for Parents, music is a powerful tool that helps children process feelings and feel connected during big transitions. It’s one of the most effective ways to help kids express emotions.

Along with a celebratory song, a thoughtful gift that encourages creativity can be a wonderful way to mark the occasion. A high-quality Art and Craft Kit, for example, provides another fantastic outlet for self-expression. Both music and art are perfect ways to boost a child's confidence before they take that next big step into kindergarten.

Here are 20+ ideas for every part of your program:


1. “The More We Get Together” – Classic Feel-Good Song

Perfect for the opening ceremony or background music while kids enter. This cheerful tune gets everyone in a good mood right away. The kids can do simple hand movements that look adorable.


2. “This Little Light of Mine” – Shine Bright

An all-time favorite for finale performances. It’s easy to learn and perfect for teaching confidence.
Why it works: It teaches kids that they’re special and ready for new adventures.


3. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Toy Story Magic

Great for duets or group performances. Parents will love the nostalgia, and kids love Disney!
Throw in some Toy Story props and you'll have tons of great photo moments.


4. “Goodbye Song” by The Learning Station

Ideal for the end of the ceremony. Short, easy to memorize, and perfect for little voices.

This simple yet powerful song is a favorite in classrooms. The lyrics say goodbye in the sweetest way, making everyone emotional (in a good way!).

5. “We’re Moving Up to Kindergarten”

This upbeat tune celebrates moving up a grade in a fun, energetic way. Great for processions or the opening act.
Pair it with a slideshow of classroom photos for extra smiles.

 

6. “What a Wonderful World” 

Parents will definitely tear up. A simple instrumental with kids humming or singing softly can be magical.
There's something about hearing little voices sing about what a wonderful world it is that just hits different.


7. “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars

Want something modern? This one is catchy and teaches friendship values. This song works especially well if you've got a close-knit class that's been together for a while.
Great for: A mid-program performance that requires a lot of hand-holding and swaying.

 

8. “ABC You Later”

Perfect for tying learning with celebration. Sing the ABCs and say goodbye to preschool!

This one shows off what they've learned while acknowledging they're moving on. Parents love seeing the academic progress wrapped up in something entertaining.


9. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Yes, this works for preschoolers too! Great as a dance performance to energize the audience.


10. “The Goodbye Song” by Super Simple Songs

Short, sweet, and easy for kids to remember. This one wraps things up without being too heavy. Works best as the closing performance.


11. “Thank You Song”- (Patty Shukla)

A sweet dedication to teachers and parents. Hearing little voices say "Thank you for helping us grow" melts hearts. This works especially well if you've had parent volunteers or if a teacher is retiring. Have tissues ready for this one.

12. “Over the Rainbow” – Dreamy & Emotional

This song creates the perfect emotional moment before the certificate is handed over.

The timing on this one matters - use it right before the big moment when kids walk across the stage. It builds anticipation and gives parents a chance to grab their cameras.


13. “Graduation Song” by The Kiboomers

Specifically made for preschool graduations! Add actions like waving and clapping.


14. “We’re on Our Way”

A fun goodbye song that celebrates moving to a new grade.

Less sad, more anticipatory. This one strikes that perfect balance between acknowledging the transition and getting excited about it.


15. “See You Later, Alligator”

A playful song to wrap things up. Kids love it, and parents leave smiling.

This song keeps things light while still acknowledging that goodbyes are happening. The silly factor helps everyone leave on a positive note.


16. “Kindergarten Here We Come”

Another classic for the big moment of walking across the stage.

It builds anticipation for what's next instead of dwelling on what they're leaving behind. Kids start getting excited about their next adventure.


17. “Twinkle Twinkle Graduation Star” (Parody)

Just take the familiar nursery rhyme and change the words. Kids already know the tune. You can make it about being graduation stars or twinkling as they move on to kindergarten. The familiar melody means no one will mess up the song.


18. “If You’re Happy and You Know It – Graduation Version”

Change the lyrics to match the graduation theme (clap your hands because you’re graduated!).

The familiar tune means kids won't freeze up, and you can customize it however you want. "Stomp your feet because you're smart" or "shout hooray because you're done" - the possibilities are endless.


19. “Goodbye My Friends”

A gentle tune for saying goodbye to classmates. Perfect for the end.

Sometimes classes are really tight-knit, and they need a moment to process that they might not all be together next year.


20. “Reach for the Stars”

Motivational and works well for group finales. This one's about dreaming big and believing in yourself- great for a group finale!


21. “What I Am” by Will.i.am (Sesame Street)

This empowering song boosts confidence and reminds kids that they’re capable of anything. 

It's got that positive message without being preachy. Kids can really belt this one out, and it gets them pumped up instead of sad about leaving.

Bonus: Parents will love it too.


22.Boom Chicka Boom” (The Learning Station)
A classic call-and-response jam that’s pure preschool energy. Picture this: kids echoing lines, bouncing in sync, teachers cheering.

This one's great if you need to wake up the audience or get some energy going. Kids know exactly what to do, and parents love watching them get into it.


23. “Shake It Off” (Taylor Swift Parody)
A familiar favorite- tweak the lyrics to fit your school, hand kids rainbow scarves, and let them dance their hearts out.

You can make the lyrics about shaking off their preschool days or shaking off any worries about kindergarten. The beat is infectious, and even the shyest kids usually join in.


24. Addams Family Graduation Song
Spooky-fun, stompy clap vibes that preschoolers adore. Plus, it's different enough to be memorable without being scary.


25. BONUS: Create Your Own Class Song

Nothing beats a personalized song with kids’ names and fun memories from the year. This takes some work, but the payoff is huge. Parents will be sharing videos of this for years.


Quick Tip for Teachers- for a Memorable Ceremony

Add hand gestures or props for every song—kids love it!
Use backdrops and banners for perfect pictures
Record rehearsals and share them with parents. They’ll treasure those little practice moments forever.

Graduation day is about joy, pride, and new beginnings. These songs will make it unforgettable for your little graduates and their families. Pick a few that fit your group's personality, add some smiles, and let the music do the magic. Music helps tell that story in a way that words alone can't capture.

Don’t forget to share your graduation day pictures and ideas in the JoyCat Club. We’d love to see your little stars shine!

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