Back to School Supply List – A Parent’s Guide

Ah, back to school time! It’s that magical time of the year when kids trade in their swimsuits for backpacks, and parents brace themselves for the daunting task of finding the best back-to-school supply list on the internet. With so many options, it can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not! 

We’ve assembled an extensive list to help you sort through the chaos and find the coolest, most practical supplies. This list covers everything from a backpack sturdy enough to carry a small elephant, a lunchbox that can withstand the nuclear winter, and hygiene supplies to keep our little monks healthy. What more? We’ve even thrown in a few surprises along the way.

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So grab your shopping cart, and let’s get this party started!

The Back-to-School Shopping List for Parents 2023

Elementary School

The elementary school typically spans from kindergarten to fifth or sixth grade. During this time, students are introduced to various subjects, including reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and physical education. 

This is also when school gives special attention to social and emotional development in children. Hence, the back-to-school supply list should be able to meet all the needs of the children as they continue through their exploration journey.

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Kindergarten

Ah, kindergarten, a world of discovery and creativity for young children! While many kindergarten schools provide materials for art activities on campus, some schools may require parents to provide their supplies.

With our checklist, you can ensure that your little one has all the tools to explore their imagination and create beautiful works of art.

• Backpack 
• Colored pencils
• Construction paper 
• Crayons
• Erasers
• Folders 
• Glue sticks
• Lunch box or bag
• Markers 
• Pencils
• Notebook or notepad 
• Drawing Books
• Pencil box
• Pencil grips 
• Pencil sharpener 
• Scissors 
• Tissues/Handkerchief
• Extra pair of Clothes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Face Mask 
• Wet Wipes
• Diapers (if they’re still using them)

First Through Third Grade

As students progress through the early years of elementary school, their curricula become slightly more advanced, and their supply needs expand accordingly. While many of the items on the first through third grade supply list may seem familiar from the kindergarten list, there are a few new additions that reflect the exciting new challenges and opportunities these young learners will face.

• Backpack 
• Colored pencils
• Construction paper 
• Crayons
• Erasers
• Folders 
• Glue sticks
• Lunch box or bag
• Markers 
• No. 2 pencils
• Notebook 
• Pencil box
• Pencil grips 
• Pencil sharpener 
• Scissors
• Tissues
• Water bottles 
• Tissues/Handkerchief
• Extra pair of Clothes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Face Mask 
• Wet Wipes

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Fourth through Sixth Grade

The age of growth, independence, and expanding horizons! Hence, the supply needs of students in this age group differ significantly from those of their younger peers, as they require more advanced tools to tackle their coursework.

• Backpack (fitted to your child’s frame)
• Book covers
• Simple Calculator
• Calendar or personal organizer
• Colored pencils
• Combination lock (if your student uses a locker)
• Erasers
• Folders
• Glue
• Graph paper
• Highlighters
• Index cards
• Lunch bag
• Markers
• No. 2 pencils
• Notebooks 
• Pens (ballpoint)
• Pencil box or pouch
• Pencil sharpener (portable)
• Post-it notes
• Protractor
• Ruler (12-inch)
• Scissors
• Subject dividers
• Three-hole punch
• Three-ring binder
• Tissues
• Water bottle (spill-proof)
• White-out

Back to School Supply List  – Middle School

The curriculum in Middle School becomes more demanding, and students are expected to become more independent in their studies. To help students succeed in this new academic environment, several essential items should be on every middle school supply list.

• No. 2 pencils
• Mechanical pencils
• Colored pencils
• Pencil sharpener 
• Large pink eraser
• Ballpoint pens
• Highlighters
• Spiral-bound or composition notebooks
• Loose-leaf notebook paper 
• Ruler with English and metric measurements
• Several three-ring binders 
• A three-hole punch 
• A pencil case 
• Binder dividers 
• Pocket folders
• Folders that fit in binders
• Small notebook to record assignment
• Calendar for scheduling assignment
• Sturdy, supportive backpack 
• Two combination locks for lockers
• Index cards – ruled and unruled 
• Highlighters
• Calculator 
• Protractor
• Drawing paper
• Construction paper
• Glue sticks
• Four-ounce bottle of white glue
• Scotch tape
• Stapler
• Scissors
• Watercolor paints
• Water-based markers
• Home computer supplies
• Printer paper
• Ink cartridges
• Stainless steel water bottle
• Locker organizer
• FaceMasks
• Hand Sanitizer

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Back to School Supply List  – High School

High school students are more independent and self-reliant than younger students, and many will create their own back-to-school supply lists. But as a parent, if you still want to help your children prepare for the new school year, this list ensures your children have a solid foundation to start the school year off right. 

• Backpack
• Laptop
• Keys
• Lunch Bag
• Wallet/ID
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Change of Clothes/Gym Shoes
• Face covering/Mask
• Pencil Case
• Tablet or Digital Notebook
• Smart Pens
• Several Three-Ring Binders
• Binder Dividers
• Three-Hole Punch
• Notebook/Planner
• Lined, Loose-Leaf Paper
• Graph Paper
• Pencils and Pencil Sharpener
• Eraser
• Ball-point Pens
• Ruler
• Highlighters
• Sticky Notes
• Two combination locks
• Facial Tissues
• Printer/Printer Paper/Ink Cartridges
• Drawing Paper
• Stapler
• Scissors, Pencil Crayons, Glue Stick and Markers
• Healthy Snacks
• Medications
• Hand sanitizer

You always can customize these lists based on your child’s individual needs – from what they’ll need to bring in their school bag to technology, home supplies, and medications  – ensuring they’ll be prepared for a stress-free state to the new school year. 

Go ahead, start shopping! 🙂

Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.