School Supplies Advice List

It's around that time of year again when we begin to plan out all that needs to be done for school. Depending on the year, there's a lot to figure out in terms of what would fit your child's needs most. Below is a compiled list of what each year requires.

Primary Years (Grades K–3)Focus: Basics for early literacy, numeracy, and art.

• Backpack (small to medium, lightweight)

• Lunchbox & water bottle (spill-proof)

• Pencil case

• Pencils

• Large eraser

• Pencil sharpener (with shavings container)

• Washable markers (broad tip)

• Crayons

• Safety scissors (blunt tip)

• Glue sticks (washable)

• Primary ruled notebooks

• 2-pocket folders (plastic lasts longer)

• Dry erase markers (low-odor)

• Ruler (metric & imperial)

• Indoor shoes (if required by school)

• Change of clothes in a labeled bag (for younger grades)

Intermediate Years (Grades 4–8)Focus: Organization, more complex writing, and independent study skills.

• Backpack (full-size)

• Pencil case or pouch

• Mechanical pencils OR pencils + sharpener

• Blue, black, and red pens

• Highlighters (variety of colors)

• Lined notebooks (spiral or composition)

• Graph paper notebook

• Loose-leaf lined paper (3-hole punched)

• 1-inch or 2-inch binders (with dividers)

• Index cards (for studying)

• Ruler (clear plastic, metric & imperial)

• Geometry set (protractor, compass)

• Calculator (basic; scientific in Grade 7+)

• Colored pencils

• Fine-tip markers or gel pens (for projects)

• Glue sticks & tape

• Dry erase markers

• USB flash drive (optional but useful)

• Headphones or earbuds

• Agenda or planner (paper or digital)

High School (Grades 9–12)Focus: Specialization by subjects, more digital tools, and exam prep.

• Durable backpack or tote

• Laptop or Chromebook (if allowed) + charger

• Scientific calculator (graphing for advanced math)

• Pens (blue, black, red) + mechanical pencils

• Highlighters (multiple colors)

• Lined notebooks or binders with loose-leaf paper (1 per subject)

• Dividers & page protectors (for binders)

• Graph paper

• Sticky notes (various sizes)

• Index cards (for flashcards)

• Geometry set (for math-heavy courses)

• Headphones or earbuds

• Planner (paper or digital calendar)

• Fine-tip markers, colored pencils (for projects)

• Reusable water bottle & lunch container

• Lock for locker (if not provided)

• Specialty supplies for electives (e.g., sketchbook for art, lab notebook for sciences, sports gear for phys ed)