Back-To School Supplies List For New High School Students

Transitioning from middle school to high school is a big step, both for students and parents. As a mom to two high school students, I understand the shift from the days of elementary school where teachers provided a detailed list of supplies needed for the first day of school. Gone are the times when we had to show up with bags filled with crayons, glue sticks, and Kleenex. However, we still want to ensure our students are well-prepared for their high school journey.

This post is designed to help you navigate the world of back-to-school supplies, whether you’re a parent or a student entering high school. You’ll find everything you need to know about essential high school supplies, from the basic items to the must-have tech gadgets. I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide based on my own experiences and what has worked best for my family.

By the end of this post, you'll have a clear understanding of what supplies your high schooler will need for the 2023-24 school year. We’ll cover everything from general supplies and technology essentials to class-specific items and health and hygiene products. This guide will make your school shopping trip smoother and ensure your student is ready to tackle the new academic year with confidence.

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Essential School Supplies for High Schoolers

Having the right supplies can make a big difference in your high schooler’s success. Here’s a detailed school supplies list to ensure your student is well-prepared for the new school year.

Writing Instruments

Writing instruments are fundamental for every high school student. Make sure to stock up on the following:

• Ballpoint pens: Blue, black, and red for different tasks.
• Mechanical pencils: Great for precise writing and easy to refill.
• Large pink erasers: Useful for correcting mistakes.
• Colored pencils: Handy for projects and highlighting notes.

Paper Products

High school involves a lot of note-taking and assignments. Here are the essential paper products:

• College-ruled variety: Perfect for detailed notes.
• Spiral notebooks: Easy to carry and use for different subjects.
• Composition notebooks: Durable and great for specific projects or classes.
• Wide-ruled paper: Useful for more extensive writing needs.

Organizational Tools

Staying organized is key to managing high school coursework. Equip your student with these tools:

• Three-ring binder: Essential for organizing handouts and notes.
• Pencil case: Keeps writing instruments and small items together.
• Pocket folders: Helps separate subjects and keep papers neat.
• Tabbed dividers: Useful for sectioning off subjects or projects within binders.

Miscellaneous

These additional items will help your high schooler stay prepared and healthy:

• Hand sanitizer: Important for maintaining hygiene, especially during flu season.
• Reusable water bottle: Keeps your student hydrated throughout the day.
• Sticky notes: Great for quick reminders and bookmarking important pages.
• Mini stapler: Handy for keeping papers together on the go.
• Three-hole punch: Useful for adding loose papers to binders.

Having these basic supplies will set your high schooler up for success in the 2023-24 school year. With these essentials, they’ll be ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.

Technology Essentials for High School Students

Having the right technology is crucial for both virtual learning and in-person classes. Many schools provide Chromebooks for students, which they can use throughout high school. My kids used their school-provided Chromebooks but also found having a personal laptop beneficial for extra features.

Essential Devices

Equipping your student with the right devices ensures they can complete their schoolwork efficiently. Here are the must-haves:

• Laptops: Great for assignments, research, and accessing online resources.  But note:  Some schools offer free chromebooks to students.
• Tablets: Handy for reading e-books, taking quick notes, and accessing educational apps.
• Headphones: Useful for focusing during study sessions and attending virtual classes without distractions.

Necessary Accessories

In addition to devices, certain accessories can enhance your student’s productivity and ensure they are prepared for any tech-related needs:

• USB Flash Drives: Essential for storing and transferring documents, presentations, and other important files.
• Portable Chargers: Keeps devices powered up, especially on long school days or during extracurricular activities.

Class-Specific Supplies for High School

Different classes require different supplies. Here’s a school list for the essential items your high schooler will need for specific subjects.

Math and Science Supplies

Math and science classes often require specialized tools. Ensure your student is equipped with these essentials:

• Scientific Calculators: Necessary for advanced math and science courses. Check with your child’s teacher for specific models.
• Graph Paper: Useful for plotting graphs and solving equations.
• Rulers: Both standard and metric measurements.
• Protractors: Essential for geometry and trigonometry classes.

Essential Language Arts and Social Studies Supplies

For subjects like English and history, staying organized and taking good notes are crucial. Here’s a school supplies list to ensure your student is well-prepared.

Must-Have Supplies

Notebooks

Keeping notes organized is key to success in Language Arts and Social Studies. Ensure your student has:

• Single-Subject Notebooks: One for each class to avoid mixing notes.
• Composition Notebooks: Durable and great for long-term projects.

Binders

Binders help in organizing handouts, assignments, and notes. Equip your student with:

• Three-Ring Binders: Essential for keeping papers neat and accessible.
• Tabbed Dividers: Useful for separating subjects or sections within a binder.

Sticky Notes

Sticky notes are great tools for annotating books and highlighting important information. They help students easily reference key points.

• Sticky Notes: Ideal for marking passages in textbooks.
• Sticky Flags: Useful for quick references and page markers.

Art Class Supplies

Keywords: sketchbooks, drawing pens, colored pencils

Art classes require a range of supplies to nurture creativity. Here’s what your budding artist will need:

• Sketchbooks: Ideal for practicing and storing drawings.
• Drawing Pens: Micron pens or similar for detailed work.
• Colored Pencils: Essential for adding color to sketches and projects.
  Health and Hygiene Essentials for High School

Must-Have Health and Hygiene Items

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial, especially during the school season when students are in close contact with each other. Here are some important items to help keep your child healthy.

• Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer is essential for reducing the spread of germs. It's handy to have, especially during flu season. Choose a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. It's perfect for quick clean-ups when soap and water aren’t available.
• Tissues: Pack small, travel-sized tissue packs in your child’s backpack for easy access.
• Deodorant: Important for after gym class or sports practice to keep your child feeling fresh.
• Lip Balm: Helps prevent chapped lips, especially during colder months.
• Comb or Brush: Useful for tidying up hair throughout the day.

Choosing the Right Backpack and Storage Solutions for High School

Finding the perfect book bag is essential for your high schooler. A good backpack with the right supplies and features can make school days much easier and more organized.

Features to Look For

When choosing a backpack, consider these important features to ensure it meets all your student's needs:

• Ergonomic Design: Look for backpacks with padded shoulder straps and back panels. These features help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your child’s back.
• Water Resistance: A water-resistant backpack keeps books and electronics safe from unexpected weather. This feature is especially useful for students who walk or bike to school.
• Multiple Compartments: A backpack with several compartments helps keep items organized. Separate spaces for books, supplies, and personal items make it easier to find what they need quickly.
• Laptop Sleeves: Many high school students carry laptops or tablets. A built-in laptop sleeve provides extra protection and keeps the device secure.

Considerations for Durability and Style

• Durability: Choose a backpack made from strong materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Reinforced seams and sturdy zippers are a plus.
• Style: While functionality is key, the style of the backpack is also important. Encourage your student to choose a design they like, as they will be using it every day.

Additional Backpack Tips

• Size: Make sure the backpack is not too big or too small. It should fit all necessary items without being overly bulky.
• Weight: The backpack should be lightweight when empty. The added weight of books and supplies should not be too heavy for your child to carry comfortably.

Additional and Optional Supplies for High School

Beyond the basic supplies, there are extra items that can make your high schooler’s life easier and more organized. These additional supplies can help your child stay on top of their game throughout the school year.

• Planner: A planner helps students keep track of assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities. It’s a great tool for managing time and staying organized.
• Locker Organizers: Locker shelves and organizers keep books and supplies tidy and easy to find.
• Art Supplies: Items like sketchbooks, colored pencils, and drawing pens are useful for art classes and creative projects.
• Index Cards: Creating Flash cards using index cards is excellent for studying and memorizing information for exams.

Budget-Friendly Tips for School Supplies

Buying school supplies doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some practical tips to help you save money while ensuring your child has everything they need for the new school year.

Shopping During School Sales

Take advantage of back-to-school sales at major retailers. These sales often offer significant discounts on essential supplies. Here’s how to make the most of these sales:

• Plan Ahead: Start shopping early to catch the best deals.
• Make a List: Stick to your list to avoid impulse purchases.
• Use Coupons: Look for coupons in newspapers and online to save even more.

Looking for Good Deals

Compare prices online and in-store to find the best deals on school supplies. Here are some strategies to help you find good deals:

• Price Comparison Websites: Use websites and apps that compare prices across different stores.
• Bulk Buying: Buy items like pens and notebooks in bulk to save money.
• Price Matching: Some office supply stores offer price matching, which can help you get the best price available.

Where To Check For Free Supplies

Many public schools and local organizations offer free school supplies to students who need them. To access these resources, start by checking with your child’s school. They often have programs in place or can point you to local initiatives that provide supplies at no cost.

Community organizations and charities are another great resource. These groups frequently run programs to distribute free school supplies to students in need. It’s worth reaching out to them or checking their websites for more information.

Additionally, attending back-to-school events in your community can be very beneficial. These events often feature giveaways of essential school supplies, helping to ensure that every student starts the school year equipped for success.

Shopping Tips and Strategies for School Supplies

Planning an efficient school shopping trip can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s how to make sure you get the best deals while ensuring your child has everything they need for the school year.

Create a Comprehensive School Supplies Checklist

Start with a detailed school supplies checklist to stay organized:

• Check with the School: Many schools provide a list of required supplies. Make sure to consult your child's school to get this list.
• List Essentials and Extras: Include both essential items like notebooks and pens, and optional items like art supplies and locker organizers.
• Categorize Items: Group items into categories such as writing instruments, paper products, and organizational tools for easier shopping.

Compare Prices to Find a Good Deal

Getting the best prices can help you save significantly:

• Use Price Comparison Tools: Online tools can help you compare prices across different stores.
• Look for Sales and Discounts: Take advantage of back-to-school sales and use coupons to maximize savings.
• Price Matching: Some office supply stores offer price matching, so ask if they can match lower prices you find elsewhere.

Stress Free Tips

Shopping early for school supplies can make the entire process smoother and less stressful. As soon as you get the school supplies checklist, start your shopping. Early shopping not only gives you a better selection but also means you won’t have to deal with crowded stores. This way, you can find everything you need without the pressure of last-minute rushes.

Additionally, consider shopping online. It can save you a lot of time and sometimes even money. Online stores often have better deals, and you can compare prices easily from the comfort of your home. By planning ahead and starting early, you can make your school shopping experience more enjoyable and efficient.

Sticking to your school supplies checklist is a smart way to avoid unnecessary purchases. It helps you stay focused on what’s essential and prevents you from getting sidetracked by items you don’t really need.

Setting a budget before you start shopping is also crucial. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and try to stick to that amount. This can help you manage your finances and avoid overspending.

Involving your child in the shopping process can make the trip more enjoyable for both of you. Let them help choose their supplies. This not only makes the experience more fun but also ensures they get items they like and will actually use. Plus, it’s a great way to teach them about budgeting and making smart purchasing decisions.

By planning ahead and starting early, you can make your school shopping experience more enjoyable and efficient.

Conclusion

As the new academic year approaches, it's essential to ensure your child is prepared with the right school supplies. Being well-equipped can make a significant difference in your student's success and confidence on the first day of school and throughout the next school year.

A well-prepared school supplies list helps parents and students start the new school year on the right foot. It saves time, reduces stress, and ensures that your child has everything they need to thrive in their studies. So, take the time to create a comprehensive checklist, shop early, and involve your child in the process. This will not only set them up for a successful school year but also teach valuable lessons in organization and planning. Here's to a great start to the next school year!