High School Supplies Checklist

What Supplies Do High School Students Need?

When your child first started middle school, they may have been overwhelmed by the amount of change. High school may feel like a bigger, more intense version of those changes, for better or worse: The building is bigger, the days are longer, and the classes and tests are harder. However, the connections that your teen makes during this time can last a lifetime, and positive support from parents can make a huge difference.

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Your child’s school supply needs for high school will depend on where they attend, what kind of program they’re enrolled in, and how they’ve filled their schedule. This sample high school supplies list is a great place to start shopping:

• Backpack. Your teen may opt for a messenger bag, but no matter the shape, your child will need some kind of bag at school to help them transport their books, assignments, and supplies.
• Lunch bag. Most high schools offer breakfast and lunch, as well as snacks throughout the day. Check with your teen’s school for specifics. They may also prefer to pack their own lunch, especially if they have dietary concerns.
• #2 pencils and red, blue, and black pens. Students need writing utensils: pens for everyday note taking and pencils for test taking.
• Highlighters. Research papers will likely be a common occurrence for your teen. Marking important passages is made easier with a steady supply of extra bright highlighters.
• Graphing calculator. Your teen will be learning geometry, trigonometry, and algebra, and will use this technical calculator with extreme frequency.
• Spiral notebooks and folders. It’s safe to assume that your student will need at least one folder and one notebook for each class. Students with more digital classrooms might find it useful to use a program like Microsoft OneNote to keep things organized.
• Loose leaf paper. In-class writing exercises, notes, and homework assignments are all completed on loose-leaf sheets of paper.
• Planner. Your teen will have a lot going on, especially if they start a job or join a club or sport team. Encourage them to regularly update a planner so they don’t miss a deadline, due date, practice, or exam. The Microsoft To Do app can function like a daily planner, letting them know what needs to get done before the day is over.
• Post-its. Whether writing a reminder to themselves or taking notes while reading a text book, these sticky notes are an incredibly useful tool for a high school student.
• Flash drives & ear buds. Your children have grown up surrounded by technology and their schools have adapted to this. High volume flash drives hold assignments and ear buds allow students to watch educational videos without disrupting others. You might also encourage your student to save important documents to the cloud with Microsoft OneDrive, so they can access their files from anywhere.
• Combination locks. Your student may need two, one for their primary locker and another for their gym locker. Many lockers have integrated locks, so check with the school before you buy a secondary lock.
• Gym uniform. Your child’s school may provide this on the first day, but your student should have a designated pair of gym shoes. An extra pair or two of socks and a stick of deodorant are an excellent idea for all high school students.
• 3-ring binders & dividers. Some teachers may ask for a personal 3-hole punch so students can organize in-class handouts and assignments.

High school is a time of transition. Your teen is growing more independent by the day and will be heading to college, trade school, or the work force after they graduate. The best thing parents can do is seek to understand their motivations and offer support and guidance as often as possible.