The Ultimate Back-to-School Supply Checklist - Never Forget Essential Supplies Again!

“Shopping for school supplies shouldn’t feel like a treasure hunt. This guide gives you grade-by-grade checklists that actually match what teachers want—with money-saving hacks, organization tips, and the secret to avoiding last-minute panic. It’s written for budget-conscious parents, but organized enough for kids to help shop. Print it, check it twice, and never forget the essentials again.”

TL;DR — Quick Picks

Kindergarten: Focus on basics like crayons, glue sticks, and a sturdy backpack
Elementary (1-5): Add notebooks, folders, and organizational tools
Middle School (6-8): Include binders, calculators, and tech accessories
High School (9-12): Add advanced supplies, planners, and study tools
Money-saving: Buy in bulk, shop sales, and reuse what you can

Need the complete checklist? Jump to the Grade-by-Grade Supply Lists below.

Kindergarten Essentials (Ages 5-6)

Simple, colorful, and durable. Kindergarten teachers want supplies that can survive paint, glue, and enthusiastic 5-year-olds.

Must-have basics:

🎒 Backpack: Large enough for lunch box and folder, with easy zipper
📁 Folder: Plastic or heavy-duty paper for daily papers
🖍️ Crayons: 24-count box (washable if possible)
✏️ Pencils: #2 wooden pencils, pre-sharpened
🧴 Glue sticks: 4-6 large glue sticks (not liquid glue!)
✂️ Scissors: Blunt-tip, left-handed if needed
📏 Ruler: 12-inch plastic ruler with clear markings
🎨 Markers: Washable markers, 8-12 count
📝 Paper: Construction paper, drawing paper
🧻 Tissues: 2-3 boxes for classroom use

Nice to have:

🎭 Art smock: Old t-shirt works perfectly
📚 Picture books: 2-3 favorites for reading time
🧸 Comfort item: Small stuffed animal or family photo

Equipment: Large shopping bag, patience for choosing colors

Best for: First-time school parents, kids who love to choose their own supplies

Fun fact: The first kindergarten was founded in 1837 by Friedrich Fröbel in Germany. He believed children learn best through play and hands-on activities—which is why glue sticks and crayons are still essential today!

Pro tip: Let your kindergartener pick their own backpack and lunch box. They’ll be more excited to use them and less likely to lose them.

Elementary School (Grades 1-5)

Building independence and organization. Elementary kids need supplies that help them stay organized and complete homework independently.

Core supplies:

📚 Notebooks: 1-subject notebooks (3-5 depending on grade)
📁 Folders: 2-pocket folders with prongs (5-8 total)
✏️ Pencils: #2 pencils, mechanical pencils for older grades
🖊️ Pens: Blue or black ballpoint pens (grades 3+)
🎨 Art supplies: Crayons, markers, colored pencils
📏 Ruler: 12-inch ruler with metric and standard measurements
🧴 Glue: Glue sticks and liquid glue for projects
✂️ Scissors: Sharp scissors for older grades
📝 Paper: Lined paper, graph paper, construction paper
🗂️ Binder: 1-inch binder for older grades (3-5)

Organization tools:

🏷️ Labels: Name labels for all supplies
📋 Planner: Daily or weekly planner (grades 3+)
🗃️ Pencil case: Zippered case to keep supplies organized
📦 Storage: Small containers for art supplies

Best for: Parents of multiple elementary kids, families who want to buy in bulk

Fun fact: The modern pencil was invented in 1795 by Nicolas-Jacques Conté, who mixed graphite with clay to create a stronger, more reliable writing tool. Before that, people used pure graphite wrapped in string!

Pro tip: Buy notebooks and folders in bulk at the beginning of the year. You’ll save money and always have replacements when needed.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Organization becomes crucial. Middle schoolers juggle multiple classes and need systems to keep everything straight.

Essential supplies:

📚 Binders: 1.5-2 inch binders for each major subject
📁 Dividers: 5-8 dividers per binder for organization
📝 Loose-leaf paper: College-ruled paper (several packs)
✏️ Pencils: Mechanical pencils with extra lead
🖊️ Pens: Multiple colors for note-taking and editing
🧮 Calculator: Basic scientific calculator (check with math teacher)
📏 Ruler: 12-inch ruler with metric measurements
🎨 Art supplies: Colored pencils, markers, sketchbook
📋 Planner: Weekly or monthly planner with large spaces
🗂️ File folders: For organizing papers at home

Tech accessories:

🔌 USB drive: 8-16 GB for saving school work
📱 Phone charger: If phones are allowed in class
🎧 Headphones: For computer lab and online learning
💻 Laptop case: If using school-issued devices

Best for: Parents of pre-teens, families preparing for high school

Fun fact: The first middle school concept was developed in 1909 by Charles Eliot, president of Harvard University. He believed students aged 11-14 needed a transitional period between elementary and high school—hence the “middle” school!

Pro tip: Use different colored binders for each subject. It helps kids quickly identify which materials they need for each class.

High School (Grades 9-12)

Professional preparation. High school supplies should prepare students for college and career success.

Core supplies:

📚 Binders: 2-3 inch binders for major subjects
📁 Dividers: 8-12 dividers per binder
📝 Paper: College-ruled loose-leaf paper
✏️ Pencils: Mechanical pencils with extra lead
🖊️ Pens: Multiple colors, including highlighters
🧮 Calculator: Graphing calculator (check math requirements)
📏 Ruler: 12-inch ruler with metric measurements
📋 Planner: Monthly planner with daily sections
🗂️ File system: Accordion file or filing cabinet
📚 Textbooks: If not provided by school

Study tools:

🎯 Index cards: For studying and note-taking
📖 Sticky notes: Various sizes for marking pages
🖍️ Highlighters: Multiple colors for color-coding notes
📊 Graph paper: For math and science classes
🗓️ Wall calendar: For long-term planning

Tech essentials:

💻 Laptop: If not provided by school
🔌 Charger: Extra charger for school
📱 Phone: With educational apps
🎧 Headphones: Noise-canceling for study time
🔋 Power bank: For long school days

Best for: College-bound students, families preparing for adulthood

Fun fact: The first high school in America was Boston Latin School, founded in 1635. It’s still operating today and has educated many famous Americans, including Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock!

Pro tip: Invest in quality supplies that will last through high school. Cheap binders and folders will fall apart and cost more in the long run.

Grade-by-Grade Supply Lists

Kindergarten Supply List

Quantity recommendations for a typical class of 20 students:

Personal supplies (1 per student):

Classroom supplies (shared):

2 extra boxes of tissues
2 extra packs of paper
1 extra box of crayons
1 extra pack of markers

First Grade Supply List

Building on kindergarten basics:

Personal supplies:

Organization tools:

Pencil case or box
Name labels for all supplies

Second Grade Supply List

Adding more independence:

Personal supplies:

Organization tools:

Pencil case
1-inch binder
5 dividers
Name labels

Third Grade Supply List

Introducing planners and binders:

Personal supplies:

Organization tools:

Fourth Grade Supply List

Building study skills:

Personal supplies:

Organization tools:

Fifth Grade Supply List

Preparing for middle school:

Personal supplies:

Organization tools:

Middle School Supply Lists

Sixth Grade

Transition to multiple classes:

Per subject (4-5 major subjects):

1.5-inch binder
5-6 dividers
1-subject notebook
2-pocket folder with prongs

General supplies:

Seventh Grade

Building organization systems:

Per subject (5-6 major subjects):

1.5-inch binder
6-7 dividers
1-subject notebook
2-pocket folder with prongs

General supplies:

Eighth Grade

Preparing for high school:

Per subject (5-6 major subjects):

2-inch binder
7-8 dividers
1-subject notebook
2-pocket folder with prongs

General supplies:

High School Supply Lists

Ninth Grade (Freshman)

Starting high school strong:

Per subject (6-7 major subjects):

2-inch binder
8-10 dividers
1-subject notebook
2-pocket folder with prongs

General supplies:

Tenth Grade (Sophomore)

Building study systems:

Per subject (6-7 major subjects):

2-inch binder
8-10 dividers
1-subject notebook
2-pocket folder with prongs

General supplies:

Eleventh Grade (Junior)

College preparation:

Per subject (6-7 major subjects):

2-3 inch binder
10-12 dividers
1-subject notebook
2-pocket folder with prongs

General supplies:

Twelfth Grade (Senior)

Graduation preparation:

Per subject (6-7 major subjects):

3-inch binder
10-12 dividers
1-subject notebook
2-pocket folder with prongs

General supplies:

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in Bulk

Paper and notebooks: Buy at warehouse clubs or online
Pencils and pens: Purchase in large quantities
Glue sticks: Buy multipacks when on sale
Folders and binders: Stock up during back-to-school sales

Shop Sales

July-August: Major back-to-school sales
Tax-free weekends: Many states offer these
Online deals: Check Amazon, Target, and Walmart
Coupon apps: Use apps like Honey or Rakuten

Reuse and Recycle

Backpacks: Clean and repair from previous year
Binders: Remove old dividers and reuse
Pencil cases: Clean and reuse if in good condition
Art supplies: Check what’s still usable

Generic vs. Brand Name

Pencils and paper: Generic works just as well
Glue and scissors: Generic often better quality
Binders and folders: Generic saves money
Calculators: Check with teachers before buying expensive models

Organization Tips

Label Everything

Use permanent markers for fabric items
Print labels for paper and plastic items
Color-code by subject or child
Include phone numbers on expensive items

Create Supply Stations

Home office area for homework supplies
Backpack station near the door
Art supply area for creative projects
Study space with all necessary materials

Regular Maintenance

Weekly cleanup of backpacks and binders
Monthly inventory of supplies
Quarterly replacement of worn items
End-of-year storage of reusable items

Special Considerations

Students with Special Needs

Adaptive supplies: Special scissors, grips, or paper
Extra organization: More dividers, labels, or containers
Communication tools: Planners, timers, or apps
Sensory items: Fidget tools or stress balls

Homeschool Students

Curriculum-specific supplies: Check with curriculum provider
Art and science materials: Often need more supplies
Technology requirements: Computers, printers, or software
Storage solutions: More space needed for supplies

International Students

Language support: Bilingual dictionaries or apps
Cultural items: May need specific supplies
Technology compatibility: Check voltage and plug types
Documentation: Keep receipts for customs

Ready to tackle back-to-school shopping? Use our Back to School Guides for more organization tips, or contact us for personalized supply recommendations based on your child’s specific needs.

The Ultimate Back-to-School Supply Checklist - Never Forget Essential Supplies Again!

TL;DR — Quick Picks

Kindergarten Essentials (Ages 5-6)

Elementary School (Grades 1-5)

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

High School (Grades 9-12)

Grade-by-Grade Supply Lists

Kindergarten Supply List

First Grade Supply List

Second Grade Supply List

Third Grade Supply List

Fourth Grade Supply List

Fifth Grade Supply List

Middle School Supply Lists

Sixth Grade

Seventh Grade

Eighth Grade

High School Supply Lists

Ninth Grade (Freshman)

Tenth Grade (Sophomore)

Eleventh Grade (Junior)

Twelfth Grade (Senior)

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in Bulk

Shop Sales

Reuse and Recycle

Generic vs. Brand Name

Organization Tips

Label Everything

Create Supply Stations

Regular Maintenance

Special Considerations

Students with Special Needs

Homeschool Students

International Students

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