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The Ultimate Back to School Checklist: Supplies and Essentials

A colorful array of school supplies including backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and lunch boxes arranged on a desk, ready for the 2025 back to school season.
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As the summer of 2025 winds down, parents, students, and teachers everywhere are gearing up for the new school year. Whether you’re preparing for elementary school adventures, middle school transitions, high school challenges, or even college dorm life, a solid back to school checklist can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide is your one-stop resource for the back to school supplies list, back to school shopping list, and everything in between. We’ve updated it for 2025 trends like eco-friendly supplies, mental health support post-pandemic, and tech integration for hybrid learning.

Why does this matter? Starting the year organized reduces stress, boosts confidence, and sets everyone up for success. We’ll cover checklists by grade level, health essentials, preparation tips, and more. Plus, we’ve included a printable back to school checklist section with tips on creating your own. Let’s dive in and make 2025 the smoothest school year yet!

Back to School Supplies Checklist by Grade Level

Every school provides a basic list, but we’ve expanded on common needs based on age groups. Reuse items from last year where possible to save money and reduce waste. For 2025, consider sustainable options like recycled notebooks or refillable pens. Read more about the Ultimate Teacher Wishlist

Preschool and Kindergarten Supplies Checklist

Focus on fun, basic tools for creativity and motor skills development.

  • Backpack (small and lightweight)
  • Crayons (washable, 24-pack)
  • Markers (broad tip, washable)
  • Glue sticks (2-3)
  • Safety scissors
  • Construction paper
  • Water bottle
  • Change of clothes (labeled)
  • Lunch box or snack bag
  • Tissues and hand sanitizer

Elementary School Supplies List (Grades 1-5)

Organizational basics with art supplies for hands-on learning.

CategoryItems
Organizational1 Duotang or pocket folder per subject, Agenda, Pencil box
StationeryLoose leaf ruled paper, Loose leaf blank paper
WritingPackage of pencils, 2 Erasers, Ruler, Pencil sharpener
Art/SubjectBox of crayons, Pencil crayons, Washable markers, Bottle of white glue, 2 Glue sticks, Safety scissors
Lunch/StorageLunch bag, 2 Freezer packs, Hand wipes, Packaged snacks, Backpack, Plastic box for art supplies

Add extras like headphones for tech time or a reusable face mask if needed.

Middle School Supplies Checklist (Grades 6-8)

More binders and tools for multiple subjects.

CategoryItems
Organizational1 Small binder per subject, Binder dividers, Post-it notes, Agenda, USB drive, Combination lock
StationeryLoose leaf ruled paper or 5-subject notebook, Package of graph paper
Writing2 Highlighters (different colors), Package of blue/black pens, Package of pencils, 2 Erasers, Ruler, Mini stapler, Pencil sharpener, Reinforcements
SubjectMath kit (compass & protractor), Pencil crayons
StorageBackpack, Lunch box

Pro tip: Include a planner app on their phone for digital organization.

High School Supplies List (Grades 9-12)

Advanced tools for note-taking and projects.

CategoryItems
Organizational1 Small binder per subject, Binder dividers, Post-it notes, Agenda, USB drive, Combination lock
StationeryLoose leaf ruled paper or 5-subject notebook, Package of graph paper
Writing2 Highlighters (different colors), Package of blue/black pens, Package of pencils, 2 Erasers, Ruler, Mini stapler, Pencil sharpener, Reinforcements
StorageBackpack, Lunch box
ExtrasCalculator (scientific or graphing), Laptop sleeve, Bandages, Tissues, Hand sanitizer, Ice packs

For college students, add dorm essentials like bedding, a mini fridge, and study lamps.

These lists draw from expert recommendations to ensure you’re covered.

Back to School Health Checklist for 2025

Health is priority one, especially with ongoing concerns about wellness. Schedule these early to avoid last-minute rushes.

  • Annual Checkup and Physical: Book a well-child visit to track growth and address issues. Include sports physicals if applicable.
  • Vaccinations: Ensure up-to-date shots like MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Polio, and Hepatitis B. Check school requirements.
  • Vision and Hearing Screenings: Test for any impairments that could affect learning.
  • Mental Health Check: Discuss anxiety or stress with a pediatrician. For 2025, incorporate mindfulness apps or counseling referrals.
  • Medications and Forms: Fill out emergency contacts, allergy info, and medication authorization. Report summer health changes to the school nurse.
  • Sleep and Nutrition: Gradually adjust bedtime routines two weeks before school for better focus.

Unique advice: Create a family mental health routine, like daily check-ins, to ease back-to-school jitters.

Back to School Clothing and Essentials Shopping List

Outfit your kids for comfort and confidence. Shop sales in July 2025 for the best deals.

  • Everyday clothes: 5-7 outfits (pants, shirts, dresses)
  • Shoes: Sneakers, dress shoes if required
  • Outerwear: Jacket, raincoat for fall weather
  • Uniforms (if applicable): Check school policy
  • Accessories: Socks, underwear, belts
  • Back-to-school extras: Lunch boxes, Water bottles, Name labels, Home organization items (e.g., homework bins)

Eco-tip: Opt for thrift stores or sustainable brands to cut costs and environmental impact.

Preparation Tips: Your Back to School To-Do List Timeline

Break it down by weeks to stay stress-free.

1+ Month Before School (Late June/Early July 2025)

  • Schedule doctor appointments and fill medical forms.
  • Audit last year’s supplies for reusables.
  • Review school calendar and add dates to your planner.
  • Start potty training practice for little ones.

2-4 Weeks Before (Mid-July 2025)

  • Plan meals: Brainstorm lunch ideas and quick dinners.
  • Set up a homework spot with filing systems.
  • Go shopping: Use your back to school shopping list for supplies and clothes.
  • Discuss routines with co-parents.

1 Week Before (Late July/Early August 2025)

  • Practice morning routines: Wake up early, pack bags.
  • Create checklists for mornings and after-school.
  • Attend meet-the-teacher events.
  • Review transportation and safety: Bus rules, walking buddies, emergency plans.
  • Plan first-day outfits and photos.

After-school plans: Know where kids go, who supervises, and emergency contacts.

Academic and Organization Prep for Success

  • Review last year’s work: Use apps like Prodigy for fun refreshers.
  • Read together: Pick grade-level books to build comprehension.
  • Set up a command center: Calendar, drop zone for bags.
  • Family meeting: Establish rules for homework and screen time.

For teachers: Use this as a back-to-school checklist for classroom setup.

Printable Back to School Checklist

To make it easy, create a customizable printable version. Include sections for supplies, health, and prep. Tools like Canva or Etsy templates work great—search for “printable back to school checklist for kids” for free options. Or, copy our tables above into a document!

Final Tips for a Successful Back to School Prep

  • Budget wisely: Look for back to school sales and bulk buys.
  • Go green: Choose reusable items.
  • Stay flexible: Adjust for your family’s needs.
  • Celebrate: End summer with a fun family outing.

With this ultimate back to school checklist, you’re set to conquer 2025. Share your tips in the comments, and here’s to a fantastic year!

A back-to-school checklist is more than just a list of supplies—it’s a strategic tool to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition into the new academic year for students, parents, and educators alike. As summer winds down, families often juggle a whirlwind of tasks, from shopping for essentials to adjusting sleep schedules. A well-organized checklist serves as a roadmap through the chaos, helping everyone stay on track and feel prepared. It typically includes basics like backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and calculators, but also covers less obvious essentials such as school registration forms, updated medical records, transportation arrangements, meal planning, and setting up at-home study spaces. For older students, it might include checking device compatibility for remote learning tools or confirming extracurricular commitments. Teachers also benefit from their own version of the checklist—gathering classroom materials, planning first-week activities, and reviewing student rosters and curriculum updates. Beyond logistics, a back-to-school checklist also serves as a mental reset—helping students refocus on goals, routines, and personal growth. By starting early and checking off items one by one, families can reduce anxiety, avoid last-minute scrambles, and walk into the school year with confidence and calm.