2025/2026 Back to School Kit

Optional Back-to-School Kits: A Guide for Elementary, Middle, and High School Parents

Starting a new school year is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. Having the right supplies can help students feel prepared and confident. This guide provides a comprehensive list of items for an optional back-to-school kit, broken down by elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Elementary School (Grades K-5)

Elementary school students need colorful, fun, and easy-to-use supplies to make learning enjoyable. Focus on organization and creativity.

Core Supplies:

Backpack (with a water bottle holder)
Lunch box or bag
2-3 folders with pockets
Pencil case or box
Blunt-tip scissors
Glue sticks
Box of crayons (24 count)
Washable markers (10-12 pack)
Colored pencils
Primary pencils (thicker, for little hands)
Large pink erasers
Pencil sharpener with a shavings catcher
Wide-ruled notebooks
Ruler (with both inches and centimeters)

Classroom & Personal Items:

Hand sanitizer
Box of tissues
Disinfectant wipes
Reusable water bottle
Change of clothes (for younger grades, kept in a labeled bag)
Headphones or earbuds (for computer lab time, check school policy)

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Middle school brings more independence and a need for better organization as students juggle multiple classes and teachers. Focus on durability and systems that work for them.

Core Supplies:

Durable backpack
Multiple notebooks (one for each subject, or a multi-subject notebook)
Pocket folders (one for each subject)
3-ring binder (1-inch or 1.5-inch)
Loose-leaf paper (college-ruled)
Pencil pouch
Mechanical pencils with lead refills
Pens (blue, black, and red)
Highlighters (multiple colors)
Graph paper
Small stapler with staples
Ruler
Protractor and compass set (for math)
Scientific calculator (check teacher's recommendation)
Index cards

Organizational & Personal Items:

Locker organizer and lock (combination or key, check school policy)
Planner or academic calendar
USB flash drive
Headphones or earbuds
Reusable water bottle
Hand sanitizer and lip balm
Lunch bag or cash for cafeteria
Gym clothes and a gym bag (if required)

High School (9-12)

High school is about preparing for college and the future. Students need advanced tools for complex subjects and a system that keeps their busy schedules in order.

Core Supplies:

Sturdy, comfortable backpack (can fit a laptop)
Multiple notebooks or binders for each subject
Loose-leaf paper (college-ruled)
Pens (blue, black, red, and gel pens)
Mechanical pencils and extra lead
Highlighters (multiple colors)
Sticky notes in various sizes
Scientific or graphing calculator (check course requirements; e.g., TI-84 Plus for most math and science classes)
Stapler and hole punch
Three-hole punch
Lined index cards
Graph paper
Laptop or tablet (check school's technology policy)

Organizational & Personal Items:

Dedicated planner or digital calendar
USB flash drive
Portable power bank for phone/laptop
Headphones or earbuds (noise-canceling can be a great option)
Reusable water bottle and coffee thermos
Wallet or ID holder
Hand sanitizer and personal hygiene products
Gym clothes and bag (if applicable)

Final Tips for All Students:

Check the School Supply List: This guide is general; always check your school or specific teacher's list for required items.
Label Everything: To prevent lost items, label backpacks, lunch boxes, and jackets with your child's name.
Create a Homework Station: Set up a quiet, dedicated space at home with good lighting and organized supplies to help with homework