School supplies list: A back-to-school checklist every caregiver may need

This article is up to date as of August 21, 2026, and based on vaccine guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual states may adopt their own vaccine policies and recommendations based on local public health assessments and regulatory frameworks. For the most up-to-date information, consult your state or local health department or your health care provider.

This back-to-school supplies list might be slightly over-prepared, but for good reason — it’s designed to set students up for a successful year. For someone whose idea of fun involves sharpened pencils, color-coded folders and a student wellness plan, this list will be a great resource. Get inspiration on items for children and teachers below.

In this article:

Kindergarten school supplies list

The first day of kindergarten can be a big step for kids and their caregivers. Starting kindergarten can involve many firsts, like a child’s first time in a classroom or riding a school bus. Having the right supplies can help young learners feel prepared and confident. When the basics are covered, kids can focus on the fun of learning. Below are some supplies to consider.

Backpack

A child’s backpack can be like their home away from home. Keeping it organized from the first day can save time searching for supplies later. Parents and caregivers might want to make sure kids have the following items on hand:

• Crayons
• Erasers
• Pencil box
• Sharpened pencils

While many kindergarteners are potty-trained, accidents can happen. Including an extra set of clothes and a pack of baby wipes can help prepare them for any surprise messes (and it may also help them feel more confident).

Caregivers can consider adding a familiar keepsake to the backpack, like a plush toy or lucky charm. Even a sticky note tucked inside a child’s pencil case can help ease any first-day jitters.

Lunchbox

Kindergarteners burn through energy faster than crayons disappear during art time. It’s important to provide a full lunch box to keep up their energy levels. Recommended items include:

• Leak-proof water bottles to help kids stay hydrated.
• Meals that are balanced, colorful and fun. Nutrients like proteins and carbs can help fuel focus and play, while fruits and vegetables help to provide important vitamins and minerals.
• Sealable snack bags.

Cutting food into fun shapes can also make lunchtime more exciting. This might help encourage kids to finish what’s inside of their lunch box.

Art supplies

Classrooms may use art materials daily or weekly during art time, free play or as part of themed projects tied to various lessons. It can also be a way for kids to express themselves, especially before they’re comfortable with their words. Helpful art supplies may include:

• Colored pencils
  
• Construction paper
• Crayons
• Glue sticks
  

Elementary through high school supplies list

As students face more coursework, subjects and technology, it is important for them to have tools that help them succeed. Below are a few things they might need. Note that different grades and age groups may have different school supply needs.

Stationery

Notebooks and loose-leaf paper are great options for taking notes in every subject. A three-hole punch can help students place various papers and handouts inside their binders. Tabbed dividers and folders can also help them stay organized.

Index cards can be used as flashcards, or for quiz games with friends or organizing research project information. Graph paper can be helpful for math or science classes.

And for some students, a discreet fidget toy may also be helpful.

Writing items

Here are some items that elementary through high schoolers can keep in their pencil cases:

• Erasers
• Highlighters
• Pencil sharpeners
• Pencils
• Pens

Bonus tip: Some students might find it helpful to color-code their notes or notebooks. This method might help them create and connect certain patterns, which could come in handy during test time.

Project supplies

These tools can help students build and create presentations for group projects or science fairs, to show what they’ve learned:

• Calculators
• Posterboard 
• Ruler and protractors
• Scissors
• USB flash drive

Locker accessories

Lockers are a student’s home base for the school day. With the right accessories in place, they can go beyond functionality and become a true reflection of their owner’s personality. Here are some suggestions to help students stay organized, prepared and inspired:

• Artwork to help remind students of home, hobbies or other interests
• Combination lock
• Decorations like locker rugs, mirrors or string lights
• Locker shelves
• Magnets
• Motivational sticky notes
• Sunscreen and a mini fan for gym days, hot days or field trips
• Toothbrush and toothpaste or breath mints

For more decoration ideas, students could consider creating calendars or mini collages of friends, pets or favorite memories. CVS® Photo has custom photo print options available for same-day pick up.

Bus ride must-haves

Having certain items on hand can help kids feel comfortable during their commute to school. Here are some ideas for what to pack or clip onto their backpack before they head out the door:

• Books
• Chargers
• Hand sanitizer
• Headphones or earbuds
• Outerwear
• Tissues

Back-to-school supplies for teachers

Teachers often pay for classroom supplies themselves, so donating a few extra supplies to the classroom can be a small way to show appreciation for their hard work. This list offers ideas for supporting teachers and helping to make sure that students have what they need throughout the year.  

Classroom items

Here are a few supplies that teachers may find useful:

• Adhesive hooks or museum putty can help with attaching visuals to walls, creating interactive boards, hanging signs or labeling cubbies.
• Extra clocks can help students track the time.
• Timers can be helpful for managing activities, classroom games and transitions. They can also help students pace themselves during independent work time.

Teachers might consider setting up a “quiet corner” in the classroom with a rug, soft lamp and a few sensory tools (like stress balls) to give students a place to regroup. These additions can help contribute to a calm, positive classroom environment.

Organization items

These tools might help teachers keep their classrooms in order:

• Bulletin boards can be used as gratitude boards, student showcases or vocabulary walls that grow throughout the year.
• Clear storage bins can help students find necessary supplies quickly.
• Clipboards can be good for group projects, hallway assignments or making work portable so students can work anywhere around the room that’s comfortable.
• Colored duct tape can be used to create visual boundaries for classroom stations, label shelves by color or mark floors for lining up.

Optional back-to-school supplies

These extras can make lessons more dynamic and help with student engagement:

• Chalk
• Gradebooks
• Lasers or presentation clickers
• Portable whiteboards

Teachers might consider creating a reward drawer with an assortment of small prizes for students who achieve their academic goals. The rewards could help reinforce positive behavior and motivate students to do well. Teachers can fill their drawers with items like small trinkets, stickers or “free homework pass” coupons.

Wellness checklist

Back-to-school season can be a good time to check in on children’s overall wellness. From physical exams to mental health check-ins, a little early preparation can prevent headaches later. These health-related tips can help students feel their best all year long.

Annual wellness exams

Before students hit the books, it’s important to check off the basics:

• Dental exams every six months are a good way to keep teeth clean and catch issues early.
• Eye exams and screenings can help make sure students can see in the classroom. Annual exams are generally recommended for school-aged kids.
• Primary care visits are recommended at least once a year for general wellness checks, including growth tracking and managing any health concerns.

Students who play sports may require a pre-season sports physical (also known as a preparticipation physical evaluation). This exam can also be a good way to catch any health concerns early.

Immunization appointments

Vaccines help protect students and everyone around them as they head into the new school year. Commonly recommended pediatric vaccinations may include diphtheria and pertussis (DTaP/Tdap); human papillomavirus (HPV); influenza; measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); tetanus; and varicella (chickenpox). It can be a good idea to schedule appointments early.

Good sleep habits

As fall approaches, gradually setting a bedtime to align with students’ school-night routine can help kids adapt to their new schedule.

Emotional preparation

Going to school can stir many emotions. It’s normal for a changing routine to cause these feelings. Here are some tips that can help students feel prepared, seen and supported:

• Practicing routines ahead of time. A few dry runs of picking outfits or packing lunch can help make the first day feel more manageable.
• Talking it out early. Caregivers might consider asking how kids are feeling and then validating their emotions. Therapy and mental health care providers can also help with this.
• Visualizing the day together. Walking through a student’s schedule step-by-step can help them know what to expect once school starts. This practice can especially help if they are switching classes or entering a new school.

Teaching good hygiene

Germs love school, which makes good hygiene a priority when heading back into the classroom. These daily habits can help kids stay healthy and create a routine they can stick to:

• Brushing their teeth twice every day
• Washing their face regularly
• Washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Back-to-school checklist tips

Schedules, sign-ups and supplies can sound like a lot, but with a little planning caregivers can help their families stay on time, organized and ready for the school year.

Setting up a planner before school starts

A planner can help with keeping track of key dates like the first day of school, orientation and supply shopping deadlines. Caregivers can create checklist sections for clothing, paperwork and other essentials. Giving older kids their own space to write their tasks can also help build independence and keep them involved.

Syncing a planner with a family calendar

Syncing a planner with a family calendar can help keep everyone in the loop. Caregivers might consider using a digital calendar for quick scheduling changes and reminders. Posting a physical copy on the refrigerator or near the front door can also be helpful. Weekly check-ins as a family can turn planning into a habit and help keep everyone’s schedules aligned.

Key takeaways

Back-to-school season is about creating a sense of comfort and readiness that helps set caregivers, students and teachers up for success. Having the right planning strategies, supplies and wellness habits can make a real difference throughout the school year.

This article is based on information available from established sources at the time of publication. It was last reviewed by a CVS clinician on August 21, 2026.