A walk down memory lane reveals the sad story of Bart's first days in kindergarten. His dislike for school and problems making friends are exacerbated by the presence of his little sister, Lisa. While meeting with J. Loren Pryor, the Springfield Elementary School psychologist, few of Bart's problems are resolved, but Homer and Marge discover that Lisa is a gifted child. Trying to foster her gift, they try to get her into a special school but can't afford it. They decide to buy Lisa a musical instrument instead, thus beginning the girl's eight-year love affair with the saxophone.