This post was updated July 12, 2026.
Getting ready for a new school year can feel overwhelming, especially when every teacher and class seems to require something different. This back-to-school supplies list covers the basic items most middle school and high school students need, from notebooks and binders to backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, and school uniforms.
Every school and teacher may provide a separate supply list, so be sure to check your school’s requirements before shopping. However, this printable checklist will help you purchase the everyday essentials and avoid forgetting important items.
You can shop for school supplies at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Office Depot, or order everything online to save time. School supply kits can also be convenient, although purchasing items individually may help you find better prices.
Free Back-to-School Supplies List Printable
Use the free printable checklist below while shopping for your child’s school supplies. It is designed primarily for middle school and high school students, but many of the items are also useful for upper elementary school and college students
Tip- If you need help getting free school supplies, some organizations can help you like Back to School America or Operation Homefront.
Download Free Back to School Printable
Back to School Essentials; Basic Supplies for the School Season
Different school districts and different grade levels have different school supplies lists. However, even though there is a specific supply list, there are always general items everyone needs. Whether you are virtual learning, homeschooling, or getting ready for the first week of school, a lot of the school supplies remain the same.
The school shopping list may be for elementary school students, high school students, middle schoolers, and college kids list.
Table of contents
Back-to-School Essentials
School supply requirements vary by school district, grade level, teacher, and class. A middle school student may need different supplies for math, science, English, and elective classes, while a high school student may need specialized items such as a graphing calculator.
Start with the general supplies below, and then add any class-specific materials requested by your child’s teachers.
Middle School and High School Supplies List
Writing and Classroom Supplies
- No. 2 pencils
- Mechanical pencils and extra lead
- Blue and black ballpoint pens
- Colored Pencils
- Highlighters
- Permanent markers
- Erasers
- Pencil sharpener
- Pencil Pouch
- Dry-erase markers
- Correction tape
Paper and Organization Supplies
- Spiral Notebook
- Composition notebooks
- College-ruled loose-leaf paper
- Graph Paper
- Index cards
- Pocket folder
- 3- ring binder
- Zipper binder
- Subject Dividers
- Planner
- Sticky notes
Math and General Supplies
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Glue sticks
- Basic calculator
- Graphing Calculator, when required
- Combination Lock, when required
- Headphones or earbuds
- USB flash drive, if permitted
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
Before purchasing an expensive graphing calculator, confirm which model your child’s school or math teacher requires.
Tips for Saving Money on School Supplies
Back-to-school shopping can become expensive, particularly when you are purchasing supplies for more than one child. These tips may help you stay within your budget:
- Check your home for unused notebooks, folders, pens, and pencils before shopping.
- Compare prices and weekly advertisements from several retailers.
- Purchase basic supplies in multipacks when more than one child can use them.
- Wait to buy specialized items until teachers confirm they are necessary.
- Label reusable items so they are less likely to become lost.
- Save extra supplies for replenishing backpacks later in the year.
Families who need assistance may also be able to find free school supply programs through local schools, libraries, churches, community organizations, and school districts.
Operation Homefront offers free school supplies through its Back-to-School Brigade program for eligible military families. Registration and availability vary by location, and supplies are limited.
Labels for Clothing, Lunch Boxes, and Backpacks
Labeling your child’s belongings can make it much easier to recover a lost sweatshirt, lunch box, water bottle, or backpack.
Add your child’s first and last name to items whenever school rules permit. You may also include a parent’s phone number on belongings that are likely to be lost outside the classroom.
Kids Customizable Stamps, waterproof labels, iron-on clothing labels, and permanent markers are all useful options.
School Uniforms and Back-to-School Clothing
Some public, private, and charter schools require students to wear uniforms. My boys attended a charter school with a set uniform, which made choosing school clothes much simpler.
Before ordering uniforms, review the school’s current dress code carefully. Requirements may include specific colors, approved shirt styles, belt colors, skirt lengths, or rules about logos and shoes.
It is also helpful to shop early because popular sizes can sell out before the first day of school
Old Navy School Uniforms
French Toast School Uniforms
French toast is another popular school uniform brand offering polos, pants, skirts, jumpers, sweaters, and other classroom basics
Lunch Boxes for Back to School
A durable lunch box helps keep food organized and protected throughout the school day. Look for one that is easy to clean, large enough for your child’s lunch, and capable of holding an ice pack.
Older students may prefer a simple insulated lunch bag, while younger students may find divided bento boxes easier to use.
Minimal Natural Fiber Bento Box
The Minimal Natural Fiber Bento Box is made using discarded rice husks and plant-based materials. It includes removable separators, utensils, and a small container for sauces or dressings.
The natural fiber bento box by Minimal is made from discarded rice husks.
Although the husks are typically burned following the harvest, recycling them for bento boxes reduces millions of tons of carbon pollution.
Because they’re made entirely of plant-based biodegradable materials, they’re environmentally responsible, naturally compostable, sustainable, and chip and crack resistant! Microwave and dishwasher safe as well!
All of them include a tiny container (for sauce or salad dressing, etc.), fork and spoon sets, and two detachable separators.
Minimal Insulated Food Jar
An insulated food jar is useful for sending warm foods such as soup, pasta, oatmeal, chili, or leftovers.
The Minimal Food Jar has a wide opening that makes it easier to fill, eat from, and clean. The lid can also be used as a bowl.
The BPA-free containers are ergonomically designed with a lid that doubles as a large soup bowl and double stainless steel wall construction, adding to their durability.
You can make a premium, all-in-one kit for easy dishes on the go by attaching a silicone handle and foldable, full-size spoon.
If you’re looking for some healthy snacks to pack check out freeze dried fruit!
Choosing a Backpack
A backpack should be comfortable, durable, and large enough to hold your child’s supplies without becoming unnecessarily heavy.
Consider these features when selecting one:
- Padded, adjustable shoulder straps
- Multiple storage compartments
- A padded laptop or tablet sleeve
- A side pocket for a water bottle
- Durable zippers
- Water-resistant material
- Reflective details for visibility
Encourage your child to clean out the backpack regularly so unnecessary books and papers do not add extra weight.
Coofit Kids Backpack
The Coofit Kids Backpack offers multiple compartments and a water-resistant exterior. Check its measurements carefully to make sure it can accommodate your student’s binders, laptop, or other required supplies.
Water Bottles for School
A reusable water bottle is another useful back-to-school essential. Choose one that is leak-resistant, easy to clean, and permitted under your school’s rules.
Label the bottle clearly because water bottles are among the easiest school items to misplace.
YETI Rambler Jr. 12-Ounce Kids Bottle
The YETI Rambler Jr. is a durable insulated bottle with a straw cap. Its smaller size may be better suited to elementary school students or children who can refill their bottles during the day.
Contigo Kids Water Bottle
Contigo Kids Water Bottle with Redesigned AUTOSPOUT Straw has a snap-on lid that is meant to eliminate gaps and curves where germs and dirt might accumulate. Even when the spout is opened, the pop-up straw has a spill-proof valve that prevents spills.
First-Day-of-School Preparation Tips
Gathering supplies is only one part of preparing for the new school year. A few days before school begins, help your child:
- Pack and organize the backpack.
- Label personal belongings.
- Review the daily schedule.
- Practice opening the combination lock.
- Charge any school-issued electronics.
- Choose first-day clothing or prepare the uniform.
- Plan breakfast and lunch.
- Confirm transportation and drop-off arrangements.
- Begin returning to a regular bedtime routine.
Middle school and high school students may appreciate having some independence in choosing and organizing their supplies. Letting them participate can help them feel more prepared for the first day.
Back-to-School Supplies Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies do middle school students need?
Most middle school students need pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, binders, loose-leaf paper, highlighters, a pencil case, a planner, and basic math supplies. Individual teachers may request additional materials.
What supplies do high school students need?
High school students generally need notebooks, binders or folders, writing supplies, a planner, graph paper, index cards, and a calculator. Some courses may require a graphing calculator, lab notebook, art supplies, or other specialized materials.
Should I buy every school supply before classes begin?
Purchase the basic essentials before school begins, but consider waiting for teacher instructions before buying expensive or specialized supplies.
How can I keep school supplies organized?
Use a separate folder or notebook for each subject, label binders clearly, and keep writing supplies together in a pencil pouch. A planner can help students keep track of assignments, activities, and important dates.
Have a Successful School Year
Preparing early can make the transition back to school feel more manageable for students and parents. Use the free back-to-school supplies checklist to organize your shopping, and remember to confirm any additional requirements with your child’s school.
Wishing your family a successful school year filled with learning, new friendships, and plenty of laughter!
👉 Looking for some back to school dinner ideas? Check out 100 Easy Back-to-School Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
More Back-to-School Resources
- Back to School Prayers for Students, Teachers, and Parents
- Essentials for School During Flu Season
- Fun Classroom Art Games
- Best Gluten-Free Snacks for Kids
