For your high school student, there isn’t going to be one list that takes care of everything he or she will need. School supplies are going to be different depending on the classes your child is taking. If special equipment is necessary, the teacher will tell students what is needed for that class.
The Basics
- Backpack or book bag
- Binder
- College-ruled notebook paper
- 5- or 3-subject spiral notebook
- 5-tab index dividers
- Pocket-only folders
- Pencil bag
- Black & red pens (medium point)
- No. 2 pencils
- Markers
- Yellow highlighters
- Ruler
- Pencil sharpener
- 3 x 5 ruled index cards
- Sticky notes
- Facial tissue (individual packs)
Math & Science
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Compass
- Graph paper
- Scientific calculator
- Colored pencils
- Safety goggles (for science or shop class)
Gym
- Gym uniform (usually ordered through the school)
- Gym shoes to be kept at school
- Gym socks
- Sweatshirt in school colors for cold days
- Combination lock
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Comb or hairbrush
- Hair styling products
- Portable, compact hair dryer (optional — check school rules before buying)
School Clothes
Many schools have rules about what students can and can’t wear on campus. Some have even implemented strict dress codes or school uniforms. Be sure to check with your child’s school before you shop.
For better or for worse, the high school years will be some of the most memorable in your child's life. Make it a little easier on yourself by ensure you don’t spend too much and a little easier on your kids by shopping somewhere they can pick out what they want without having to worry that everything they pick out is too expensive. You have enough things to worry about during your child’s high school years; how much you spend on school supplies shouldn’t be one of them.
