Being an avid paper, hybrid and digi-scrapper of all sizes I use only 12x12 D ring albums and all of my pages go in them no matter which media I use or what size it is. I can fit any size page protector in it that I want, from 6x6 up to 12x12. Of course, if you are using bound books for your LOs then this wouldn't work for you.
Having said that, I agree with Col, try it out for a few pages and then see how you feel.
Edited to add: Stacey Julian has a fabulous take on scrapping the school years and I'll tell you how it works. First, you should know that her school of life album she makes for each child is the ONLY album said child will take with them when they leave home. All her other scrapbooks are for her and will stay with her.
Second, she only scraps 2- 2 page spreads and 1- 1 page LO each year to go in these albums.
The first spread consists of school highlights for that particular school year.
The second spread has highlights of life outside fo school for that year. ie: a family photo, holidays, birthday, special events and a few personality shots.
The single page LO is a pocket page where she tucks in schoolwork and possibly a class photo from the year. This is easily adaptable if you are using a loose pages and not a bound book.
I hope this helps a little and gives you some good ideas.
