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Composition notebooks
Wide and college ruled, often required in multiples.
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Back-to-school supply list
From kindergarten cubbies to college dorm desks, here's what to grab before the first bell in August.
Before you shop
In a lot of the country, especially across the South and Midwest, school starts in early-to-mid August. Much of the Northeast and some other districts start after Labor Day. Stores roll out back-to-school displays in July.
- Find the official list. Most schools post grade-level lists online or through the PTA. Some specify brands, colors or counts.
- Check for a sales tax holiday. A number of states offer tax-free shopping on school supplies for a weekend or so in late July or August. Eligible items and dates vary by state.
- Inventory last year's stuff. Binders, scissors and rulers often survive another year.
- Hold the calculator. Wait for the math teacher to confirm the model.
By grade
Pre-K & Kindergarten
- Chunky crayons (16–24 count)
- Glue sticks (lots)
- Safety scissors
- Primary composition notebook
- Plastic pocket folder
- Washable markers
- Backpack that fits a folder flat
Grades 1–5
- #2 pencils (pre-sharpened saves time)
- Pink erasers and cap erasers
- Wide ruled composition notebooks
- Two-pocket folders in assorted colors
- 24-count crayons and colored pencils
- Dry erase markers
- Pencil box
- 12-inch ruler
Middle school (6–8)
- 1- to 2-inch 3-ring binder
- Subject dividers
- College or wide ruled loose-leaf paper
- Spiral notebooks per subject
- Highlighters
- Blue/black pens and pencils
- Binder pencil pouch
- Scientific calculator (if listed)
High school (9–12)
- Binders or accordion file
- College ruled notebooks
- Graph paper for math and science
- 3x5 index cards for studying
- Sticky notes and page flags
- Academic planner
- Graphing calculator (as specified)
- USB flash drive
College & dorm desk
- Academic planner (July/August start)
- Multi-subject spiral notebooks
- Good pens you won't lose
- Stapler and small 3-hole punch
- Desk organizer and paper tray
- Sticky notes and highlighters
- Removable adhesive hooks and washi for walls
Teacher tip: many teachers welcome extra glue sticks, dry erase markers and tissues any time of year. A small "restock" bag in January is always appreciated.
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#2 pencils
Bulk boxes, pre-sharpened or not.
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Pocket folders
Color sets so every subject has its own.
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3-ring binders
1-inch and 2-inch binders for middle and high school.
Shop now for 3-ring bindersAlso grab glue sticks, crayons, loose-leaf paper and graphing calculators, or walk the School Supplies aisle.