I'm a dream expert. Here are the 5 most common dreams about school and what they mean.

• I have worked as a certified clinical hypnotherapist for the past 25 years.
• Humans have between three and nine dreams every night, even when we don't remember them.

For most people, "back to school" is synonymous with back to the grind, no more late nights, sleeping in until noon, and rolling out of bed into outdoor fun in the sun. In other words, "back to school" can feel like a nightmare to the free-floating part of us. It conjures anxiety and stress to suit up and show up, fit in, and color between the lines to meet the demands of our bosses, friends, family, and co-workers, not to mention our inner taskmaster.

Thankfully, we have our dreams to come to our emotional and psychological rescue to help us alchemize our fear into fuel for a productive, healthy life. The good news about school-related dreams is in my 20+ years of working with thousands of dreams and dreamers, I've never met a slacker who has these recurring dreams. School dreams mean you are likely a thoughtful, motivated, successful person, already on track with your goals.

To unpack this phenomenon more deeply, here are the top five "back to school" dreams that run through the halls of our subconscious minds:

Where's my class?

If you dream of being unable to find your class, this dream may be assisting you in finding your inner compass to maneuver through an important transition; assimilating who you used to be into who you are becoming. Being in the gap between tried-and-true and the road less traveled, it's normal to feel lost. The goal is to "stay classy" regardless of what you consider to be your social status. By following your own north star, you'll show up as the class act you uniquely are.

Being hot or cold for a teacher

You're putting others on a pedestal

Teachers in dreams reveal our attitudes toward authority figures. Have you projected someone (your boss, friend, or parent) is above you, guarding the answers you seek or the approval you crave? If so, remember everyone in your dream is an aspect of yourself, and this dream is nudging you toward owning and claiming your own internal wisdom and resourcefulness.

Making or failing a class or test

Dreams of a grade may be showing you criticisms you have about yourself and/or key people in your life. This dream may reflect a job or relationship that is testing your mettle or making you feel under scrutiny. If you're failing a test, ask yourself what waking life situation this dream is mirroring. Consider it a tap on the shoulder — or slap on the wrist — motivating you to prepare so that when the test comes, you'll ace it. If you dream of receiving an A, it may be prodding you to celebrate your wins; to feel victorious and energized as you face the next test coming your way.

Congratulations, you're graduating!

Dreams of graduation signify you've completed a cycle of growth and are ready to toss your cap in the air and cross the threshold to a higher realm of proficiency. This dream is an affirmation that you've fulfilled your requirements to be permitted into the next stage of expansion. You no longer have to struggle with familiar issues. Your dream is saying you've paid your dues, passed your tests with flying colors, and you can now enroll your energies in higher degrees of mastery.

Back at school, even though it's been years since you graduated

If you dream of being the only grown-up student surrounded by school kids — a giant trying to fit into a tiny desk — perhaps you are in a vulnerable and awkward learning phase. Take heart in knowing beginner's mind is what mystics, sages, and saints claim as an enlightened state. They also say life is a school, and we all have an individualized curriculum. The point of being alive is to learn lessons, make mistakes and grow from them. In other words, be grateful for these dreams, for they are giving you a copy of the teacher's manual.

Kelly Sullivan Walden is the author of many books on dreams. Her latest book is "A Crisis Is A Terrible Thing To Waste," and her upcoming book is "Stripped: Dancing with My Demons in the City of Angels." To receive her free JETSET dream interpretation worksheet, go to: www.KellySullivanWalden.com.