Middle school might not get as much attention as high school, but it’s one of the most emotionally charged and unforgettable chapters in a student’s life. It’s where personalities begin to form, awkwardness meets ambition, and kids start building the early friendships and memories that shape them for years to come.
And in the middle of all that change? A yearbook captures it—field trips, class parties, first dances, messy science fairs, and inside jokes that only make sense to your 7th-grade class.
The best yearbook platforms for middle schools in 2025 aren’t necessarily the flashiest or most complex. What matters most at this level is that they’re simple to use, affordable, and engaging enough to get students excited. Whether you’re a teacher trying to juggle one more task or a parent helping lead the PTA charge, the right tool makes all the difference.
Here’s a look at the top yearbook companies that are getting it right for middle schools—starting with one that completely flips the traditional yearbook model on its head.
1. YearBoxx – Best Overall for Middle Schools
If middle school students live on their phones, why shouldn’t their yearbook live there too?
That’s the idea behind YearBoxx, a mobile-first platform that acts more like a digital scrapbook than a once-a-year, printed product. Students can upload photos and videos as the year unfolds—snippets from the fall dance, clips from the talent show, even goofy hallway selfies. It’s interactive, real-time, and honestly, way more fun than waiting months for a printed book they might flip through once.
YearBoxx is built specifically for schools. Advisors or teachers can moderate content, approve submissions, and guide the look and flow without needing any tech experience. No design software. No formatting nightmares. No stressing over deadlines.
And it’s affordable too—$6.99 per student. That’s it. No printing, no minimum orders, no weird fees. Just give students access and let them build something they’ll actually revisit.
What makes it perfect for middle schools:
- Kids get to upload memories right from their phones
- Supports both photos and videos (most platforms don’t)
- Timeline-style layout makes events feel alive
- Teachers control content behind the scenes
- Lifetime access—even after graduation
YearBoxx turns the yearbook into something that grows with students instead of just capturing a moment in time. It’s low effort for faculty, high engagement for kids, and priced right for schools on a budget. It’s not just a top pick—it’s a total game-changer.
2. Picaboo Yearbooks – Great for Small Schools That Still Want Print
Some schools still want that classic, printed yearbook—the one you can hold, sign, and store on a shelf. But printing can get expensive fast, especially for small or rural middle schools that might not have big enrollment numbers.
That’s where Picaboo stands out. Unlike many traditional companies, they don’t require a minimum order. You can order 10 books or 100, and there’s no pressure to meet a certain quota. That flexibility is a lifesaver for schools with fewer students or limited budgets.
The platform is built for non-designers. Its drag-and-drop system is simple to use, and the templates are colorful, modern, and—thankfully—not designed with only high schoolers in mind. You’ll find layouts that are a better fit for the younger crowd.
Each printed book also comes with a free online flipbook, so even if some families don’t order a physical copy, they can still browse it digitally.
Why middle schools like it:
- Super flexible ordering—no pressure to buy in bulk
- Templates that feel age-appropriate
- Great for class-wide or club-specific books
- Quick turnaround (books arrive in just a few weeks)
- Digital copy included with every print version
If you want printed books but hate the logistics, Picaboo makes things refreshingly simple.
3. Canva for Education – Best Free DIY Option
Let’s be real—some schools don’t have a budget for yearbooks. Or staff. Or even time. But if you’ve got a teacher who’s willing to take the lead and a few students who love being creative, you can build a beautiful yearbook with Canva—and not spend a dime.
Canva for Education gives free access to its full premium design tools for verified educators and students. It’s web-based, simple to learn, and packed with pre-made yearbook templates. You can build the entire book online—no graphic design degree required.
Even better, multiple students can work on it together in real time. Whether it’s during a tech class, yearbook club, or even after school, they can collaborate on pages from different devices. When it’s done, export it as a PDF and either share it digitally or send it to a local printer.
Why it works so well:
- Totally free (yes, really)
- Collaborative editing for student teams
- Pre-built yearbook templates with drag-and-drop design
- Can be printed anywhere or distributed digitally
- Great for schools that want a project-based approach
It’s not a full-service yearbook company, but for schools with creative students and no budget, Canva is a powerful tool that delivers real results.
4. Entourage Yearbooks – Best for Middle School Yearbook Clubs
Some middle schools run their yearbook like a class or club—and if that’s the case at your school, Entourage Yearbooks could be a great fit.
This platform is designed for teams. Teachers or advisors can assign different roles to students (photographer, editor, page designer, etc.), and everyone can collaborate through Entourage’s cloud-based software. It’s more structured than Canva, and more team-oriented than traditional print providers. Plus, Entourage offers teacher guides, curriculum tools, and even fundraising features—so you can turn the whole yearbook process into an actual learning experience.
The editor is a bit more advanced, which is great for schools where students are taking the lead. And Entourage’s support team is known for being helpful, especially for first-timers.
Why middle schools with student teams like it:
- Built for collaboration
- Roles and permissions keep things organized
- Helpful training materials and advisor support
- Includes built-in tools to help fundraise (a big plus)
- Flexible print options (softcover, hardcover, etc.)
If you’ve got a group of students working on the book—and a teacher who wants to guide instead of do it all themselves—Entourage makes that easy to manage.
5. Mixbook – Great for Clubs, Events, and Small Groups
Mixbook isn’t exclusively for schools, but it’s a solid tool for creating photo books that look clean and polished. For middle schools that want to put together smaller, focused memory books—like for a graduating 8th-grade class, a sports team, a drama club, or a school trip—Mixbook is fast, simple, and sharp-looking.
Its templates are beautifully designed and feel more modern than what you’d get from some old-school yearbook vendors. You can customize as much or as little as you want. There’s no pressure to meet a print minimum or sign up for a contract—you just build your book and order what you need.
Why it’s a middle school favorite for small projects:
- No contract, no commitment
- Templates are clean, fun, and not dated
- Easy enough for a teacher, student, or parent to use
- Perfect for extracurricular groups or small classes
- High-quality printing with fast delivery
If you don’t need a full-school yearbook but still want to commemorate something special, Mixbook is a great way to do it.
6. Shutterfly – Best for PTA-Led or Parent-Created Yearbooks
If the yearbook project ends up in the hands of the PTA or a group of involved parents, Shutterfly might be the easiest way to get it done. It’s not technically a yearbook company—it’s a photo book service—but that’s exactly why it works so well for informal, parent-led efforts.
You can upload photos, add captions, drag-and-drop templates, and check out in one sitting. It’s incredibly user-friendly, with tons of bright, family-friendly designs that are great for middle school vibes. And thanks to Shutterfly’s regular promo codes and discounts, you can often get the entire book printed for under $20 per copy.
Why it works well for parent-led yearbooks:
- No training or tech skills required
- Built-in templates make layout fast and easy
- Frequent sales and deals
- Ideal for small batches or casual yearbooks
- Fast delivery, direct to home
If your school doesn’t have the time or manpower to build a traditional yearbook, but still wants something students can look back on, this is a stress-free way to make it happen.
7. Fusion Yearbooks – Best for International or Tech-Forward Schools
Not every school runs the same way. Some middle schools are 1:1 device campuses or have students learning across multiple buildings or locations. Others may be private, international, or charter programs looking for a more tailored approach. For schools like these, Fusion Yearbooks is worth a look.
Fusion is a cloud-based platform that supports both digital and printed yearbooks. It offers modern, flexible design tools that are surprisingly easy to use and makes collaboration seamless, even if you have multiple teachers or staff contributing to different parts of the book.
They also include tutorials, layout help, and optional design support—so it’s great for schools that want structure without losing flexibility.
Why Fusion stands out for modern middle schools:
- 100% cloud-based with shared team access
- Stylish templates and intuitive editor
- Available internationally
- Combines digital and print options
- Responsive customer service and tutorials
If you’re looking for something modern and flexible, Fusion offers a nice balance between control and support.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Middle School
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to middle school yearbooks. Some schools want a sleek, digital experience. Others still love the feel of printed pages. Some have dedicated clubs or teachers running the project, while others just need something that works—even if it’s built in a rush.
The good news? You have great options.
If you want something your students can access on their phones, update all year long, and keep even after they graduate, YearBoxx is your best bet—simple, modern, and built for real engagement.
Need a printed book without a big price tag? Picaboo, Mixbook, and Shutterfly offer no-hassle solutions.
Got a yearbook club or student staff? Entourage or Fusion give you tools to make it collaborative and educational.
And if you’ve got no money but lots of creativity? Canva’s free education version lets you turn your yearbook into a classroom project that kids will love.
Whatever path you choose, the goal is the same: help students look back and smile. Whether it’s through a phone screen or printed page, the memories are what matter—and now, capturing them is easier than ever.
