Back to School Sign Planning: What Schools Should Order Before August
Planning and ordering custom yard signs before August is crucial for schools that want to present a welcoming, organized, and easy-to-navigate campus from the very first day. Early preparation ensures you have the right mix of sizes, materials, and messages in place for open house, orientation, and the start of classes. From traffic control to school spirit displays, the right yard signage helps families, students, and staff feel informed and confident.
What School Signs to Order for Back to School
To get ready for August, most schools need a combination of welcome, directional, event, and safety signs. Here’s a straightforward checklist with practical advice on sign types, sizing, material, placement, and how many to order for your campus layout.
Essential Yard Signs for Back to School
- Welcome Back to School signs for main entrances
- Parking and traffic flow signs (drop-off, pick-up, visitor/parent parking)
- Grade-level or teacher signs near classroom zones
- Event notices for open house, orientation, or PTA meetings
- Safety signs (bus only, staff parking, no parking, visitor check-in)
Group your signs by location and purpose. Decide what information families or staff need as they approach the campus, walk to buildings, or attend events. Prioritizing these areas prevents confusion during the busy first week of school.
Recommended Sign Sizes for School Campuses
The size of your yard signs affects how quickly visitors can see and understand your message. Here are the most common school sign sizes and smart placement tips:
- 24 x 18 inches (horizontal) – Ideal for entrance signs, parking, event announcements, and any message that must be visible from a moving vehicle.
- 18 x 24 inches (vertical) – Stands tall and is easy to spot in crowded or landscaped areas; best for main doorway welcome signs or mascot displays.
- 12 x 18 inches – Best for pedestrian directions, arrows, or classroom signs; viewable up to about 50 feet away.
- Larger sizes (24 x 24 or 36 x 24 inches) – Good for central displays or photo backdrops, especially for "Welcome Back" or spirit corners.
Material: Why Corrugated Plastic Signs Are Best
Outdoor school signs need to be durable, fade-resistant, and able to handle wind, sun, and rain. Corrugated plastic yard signs check all these boxes and are:
- Weather-resistant for outdoor use
- Lightweight yet firm for easy setup by PTA or custodians
- Cost-effective for both one-time and repeated use
Legit Fast Printing specializes in custom yard signs using tough, high-quality corrugated plastic. You can order your preferred size and get vibrant, crisp printing that stands up to outdoor conditions.
How Many Signs Should Each School Order?
The number of signs needed depends on campus size and traffic patterns. Use this table as a baseline, then adjust for your layout:
Elementary School (up to 600 students)
- 2–4 large 24 x 18 or 24 x 24 inch welcome signs for main entrances
- 6–10 smaller 12 x 18 inch spirit or grade-level signs along paths
- 4–6 parking and drop-off signs (24 x 18 inch)
- 2–4 “Bus Only” or “Staff Parking Only” signs
- 4–6 event signs (“Open House Tonight” or “PTA Meeting”)
Middle School (600–900 students)
- 4–6 large welcome signs around campus
- 10–15 smaller pedestrian signs for directions or spirit messages
- 6–8 traffic and parking signs for car lines and visitor areas
- 6–10 event signs for school activities
High School (900+ students)
- 6–10 large 24 x 18 inch or larger spirit and welcome signs
- 15–20 smaller 12 x 18 inch club/class signs across campus
- 8–12 parking or event parking signs
- 10–15 event/information signs for registration, orientation, or field layouts
When unsure, start by counting all entrances, drop-off lanes, main paths, parking lots, and event spaces. Order at least one sign for each critical location, plus a few extras for event announcements or unexpected needs.
Effective Back to School Sign Messages
- WELCOME BACK STUDENTS
- HOME OF THE [MASCOT]
- CAR RIDER DROP OFF ONLY
- VISITOR PARKING
- PTA MEETING THIS WEEK
- OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT
- NEW FAMILY REGISTRATION HERE
Keep your sign wording brief—ideally 7 words or less—so it stays readable as families drive past. Use a large, simple font and high-contrast color combinations for maximum visibility. For more design tips, check out our guide on designing a yard sign students and parents can read from the road.
Design and Customization Made Simple
Legit Fast Printing offers free design support. You can upload your own artwork, mascot, or colors or work with our team to lay out clear, colorful signs. Each sign is printed with bold UV-resistant inks on sturdy corrugated plastic, then shipped with the compatible wire stakes for fast installation.
Popular product options for schools include:
- Personalized Horizontal Yard Signs (18 x 24 inch or 12 x 18 inch)
- Bandit-Style 12 x 9 inch Signs for quick pedestrian messaging
- Square 24 x 24 inch Yard Signs for entrance displays
Placement and Installation Tips
- Place large signs at campus entrances and along carpool lanes
- Install pedestrian-size signs along sidewalks, drop-off paths, and main walkways
- Use clear directional arrows to guide foot and vehicle traffic
- Double-check that signs do not block driveways or sight lines for safety
All Legit Fast Printing custom yard signs come with the right size metal stake for easy setup—no extra trip to the hardware store. Order a few extra stakes, as they may bend in rocky soil or over repeated use.
For more practical guidance, browse our related post on yard sign installation tips for different soils and quick fixes.
When to Order Your Custom School Signs
Demand for school yard signs spikes in July and August, so finalize your order list as early in July as possible. Allow extra time for design approval, printing, shipping, and campus setup. Schools that order in July are ready for the first day and avoid last-minute rush jobs that may be generic or incorrectly sized.
- Early July: Walk the campus and make your sign checklist
- Mid July: Submit artwork or request design help
- Late July: Place your order for quick turnaround before teachers and families return
Why Choose Legit Fast Printing for School Yard Signs?
- Expert support for school signage planning and design
- Fast turnaround and shipping across the US
- Durable, weather-resistant corrugated plastic construction
- Flexible order quantities with bulk discounts
- Positive customer feedback for reliability and quality
You can reorder the same designs annually through our easy-to-use platform, making future years simple. Learn more about how schools and PTAs use our services in our post on yard signs for camps, tryouts, and PTA events.
Back to School Yard Signs FAQ
What is the best size for school entrance signs?
Most schools use 24 x 18 inch yard signs for entrances. Larger sizes, like 36 x 24 inches, are great for very busy roads, but 24 x 18 covers most needs. For walkways, use smaller sizes like 12 x 18 inches.
How many welcome signs does a typical school need?
Plan for 2 to 6 welcome signs. Start with one for each main vehicle lane and a separate one for the pedestrian or bus entrance, then add more for major events as needed.
Can we reuse custom yard signs next year?
Yes. As long as you use corrugated plastic and a non-year-specific message, school signs can be stored indoors and reused for several years. Avoid dates if you want them to last.
Do we need to order different signs for traffic and for events?
Yes. Traffic, parking, and procedure signs help prevent chaos in the first week, and event signs ensure families get to the right place for open house and orientation.
When is the latest we should order for August?
Order by late July at the latest. Ideally, submit your order in mid-July for guaranteed printing and shipping before the first teacher workday and orientation.
Action Steps for School Sign Ordering
- Walk your campus and list places where a sign helps
- Estimate quantities using the sections above
- Pick sign sizes: 24 x 18 inches for vehicles, 12 x 18 for walking areas
- Finalize messages, mascot, and any custom artwork
- Order custom yard signs—upload art or request design help before August
By acting early, your school can create a welcoming, safe, and well-organized environment for students, families, and staff. For even more detailed advice, or to see how other schools have used custom signage for everything from tryouts to fundraisers, browse our full range of custom yard sign options here. Let’s help you get your school ready—quickly and easily.