It’s that season again, and I can’t help but reminisce about cool new lunchboxes, crisp notebooks, and the smell of leaves, as everyone starts a new school year. A quick browse through our photographs is like a tour through all aspects of school life. For some, it’s the excitement of starting school for the first time.

For others, it’s a chance to pursue adult career dreams (plus, art school was one of the few places women were welcome to get advanced degrees in the 19th century).

School has always been a place where truth and knowledge are defined and delimited. The Scopes Trial reminds us of ongoing debates about what can or cannot be taught in the classroom.

But school is also about expanding our horizons (talk about a hands-on field trip!)

and developing new skills (how about learning a new sport, like cricket?)

But some aspects of school aren’t as great—like getting school portraits taken.

And for me, school also brings up unfortunate food memories (like Sloppy Joes in the cafeteria, or technicolored Jello salads at PTA meetings!?!)

But fortunately, you can always rely on a few universally-celebrated aspects of school—like recess!

Does the beginning of fall bring up any poignant school memories for you?