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

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 can be a good resource. Find items for children and teachers below.

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Kindergarten school supplies list

The first day of kindergarten can be a big step for kids and their caregivers. Starting school with this age group can involve many firsts, like being in a classroom or riding the school bus. This is why 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 is a little like their home away from home. Keeping it organized from day one can be part of a good routine and save time searching for these supplies later: 

• Crayons 
• Erasers 
• Pencil box 
• Sharpened pencils 

While many kindergarteners are potty-trained, studies show that 3 to 4 percent of children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old have daytime accidents. Tucking in an extra set of clothes and a pack of baby wipes helps prepare them for any surprise messes (and helps them feel more confident, too).

Caregivers can consider adding a familiar keepsake, like their favorite plush toy or a lucky charm. Even a sticky note tucked inside their pencil case with a silly doodle can help ease their first-day jitters.

Lunch box

Kindergarteners burn through energy like crayons during art time. This makes a well-packed lunch box for the school day important. Packing items like:

• Meals that are colorful, fun and balanced. Nutrients like protein and carbs can help fuel focus and play, while fruits and vegetables help to provide important vitamins and minerals.
• Water bottles that are leak-proof to help stay hydrated.
• Sealable bags for snacks.

Cutting foods into fun shapes can make lunchtime more exciting. This might help kids finish what's inside of their lunch box. Cookie cutters can turn sandwiches into stars and cheese into hearts.

Artículos de arte

Most classrooms use art supply materials daily or weekly during art time, free play or with themed projects tied to reading and science lessons. Drawing and coloring can help improve hand-eye coordination, improve problem-solving skills and encourage kids to express themselves, especially before they're comfortable with their words. These items can help support their development:

• Crayons
• Colored pencils
• Cartulina
• Glue sticks

Middle school and high school supplies list

As students face more coursework, subjects and technology, it is important to have the right tools to do well. Below are a few things they might need.

Stationery back-to-school supplies

Notebooks and loose-leaf paper are great options for notetaking in every subject. With a three-hole punch, the paper can be placed inside a binder. Tabbed dividers help students stay organized, while folders and book covers protect important handouts from the wear and tear of hallway traffic.

For studying, index cards are good options for flashcards, quiz games with friends or research project organization. Graph paper is also a good option for math or science class.

And for students who are active during long lessons or tests, a discreet fidget spinner stashed in a pencil case might help them.

Writing items

Here’s what middle and high schoolers can keep in their pencil case:

• Erasers
• Highlighters
• Pencil sharpeners
• Pencils
• Bolígrafos

Studies show that using certain colors may help with memory. Encouraging students to color-code their notes can make a difference in their learning. Maybe green can mean "vocabulary," blue can be for "key facts" and red can be for "remember this!" This method can help their brain create visual patterns, supporting memory retention during lessons.

Project supplies

These tools can help students build, create and show what they’ve learned in a science fair, group project or any type of presentation:

• Calculadoras
• Posterboard
• Ruler and protractors
• Tijeras
• USB flash drive

Locker accessories

Lockers are a student's home base for the school day. With the right accessories, the locker can be both functional and a reflection of their personality. Here are some supply suggestions to help students stay organized, prepared and inspired:

• Artwork can help remind them of home, hobbies or what they’ve been working toward
• Combination lock
• Decorations like a mirror, string lights or locker rugs
• Locker shelves
• Imanes
• Motivational sticky notes like daily quotes and affirmations
• Sunscreen and a mini fan for hot days, field trips or gym days
• Toothbrush and toothpaste or breath mints

For more decoration ideas, students could consider creating photo calendars, mini collages of friends, pets or favorite memories. With CVS^® Photo, they have custom photo print options available to pick up the same day.

Bus ride must-haves

The school week starts when a big yellow bus stops at the corner of the street. Having a few items on hand can help kids feel comfortable during their commute to school. Here's what to pack in or clip onto their backpack before they head out the door:

• Libros
• Chargers
• Desinfectante para manos
• Headphones or earbuds
• Outerwear
• Pañuelos desechables

Back-to-school supplies for teachers

Teachers often pay for classroom supplies themselves, so grabbing a few extra supplies to donate to the classroom can be a small way to show appreciation for their hard work. This list can serve as inspiration for those supporting the leaders that continuously manage classroom supplies and make sure students have what they need throughout the year.

Classroom items

Here are a few supplies teachers can have on hand:

• Adhesive hooks or museum putty can help with hanging signs, labeling cubbies, attaching visuals to walls or creating interactive boards.
• Timers are good options for managing activities, transitions and classroom games. A timer can help students pace themselves during independent work time.
• Extra clocks are good to hang on the wall so all students can track the time.
• Teachers’ textbooks and teaching guides can save time and spark lesson ideas.

Teachers might consider setting up a "quiet corner" in the classroom with a rug, soft lamp and a few sensory tools (like a stress ball) 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 classroom in order:

• Bulletin boards can be used as vocabulary walls, student showcases or gratitude boards that grow during the year.
• Clipboards can be good for hallway assignments, group projects or making work portable so students have the freedom to work anywhere around the room that’s comfortable.
• Colored duct tape can be used to mark floors for lining up, label shelves by color group or create visual boundaries for classroom stations.
• Clear storage bins so students can get what they need without digging or asking.

Optional back-to-school supplies

These extras can make lessons more dynamic, keep classroom management running smoothly and help with student engagement:

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

Teachers might consider creating a "reward drawer," where they can keep a collection of small prizes for students who achieve their academic goals. The rewards could reinforce positive behavior and motivate students to do well. Teachers can fill their drawer with items like stickers, "free homework pass" coupons or small trinkets.

Beach ball activity

Introducing a beach ball into classroom icebreakers can double as a low-pressure way for students to connect, share and shake off first-day nerves.

Teachers write fun or thoughtful questions on each panel of a beach ball using marker. Then the kids will toss the ball around the room. Wherever a student's right thumb lands, that's the question they answer out loud. Then they pass it to someone else.

Sample questions to consider:

• What’s their favorite snack?
• If they could have any superpower, what would it be?
• What’s something that always made them laugh?
• What’s one thing they are excited about?

This activity can also be reused for different themes. Using it for test review, group brainstorming or even gratitude prompts later in the year can make learning more engaging and interactive.

Wellness checklist

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

Annual wellness exams

Before they 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 are good to make sure students can read in the classroom. The American Optometric Association recommends exams annually for school-aged kids.
• Primary care visits are recommended once a year for general wellness check, including growth tracking and any health concerns.

If a student plays sports, a pre-season sports physical is typically required by schools. It's also a good way to catch concerns early.

Need a sports physical? Visit a health care provider or a nearby MinuteClinic location.

Immunization appointments

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

Good sleep habits

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

Mentally preparing children

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

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

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

Supplies, schedules, sign-ups - it can be a lot of tasks. But with a little planning, caregivers can help their family stay organized, on time and ready for the school year.

Setting up a planner before school starts

A planner can help with jotting down key dates like the first day of school, orientation and supply shopping deadlines. Caregivers can create checklist sections for clothing, paperwork and other essentials. For the older age groups, giving them their own space to write their tasks can build independence and keep them involved.

Breaking tasks into smaller steps

Organizing tasks into categories can make back-to-school planning more manageable. For example, some categories might look like "what needs to happen before school starts," or "what after-school schedules look like."

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 changes and reminder alerts. Posting a physical copy on the refrigerator or near the front door can also be a helpful reminder. Weekly check-ins as a family can turn planning into a habit and help keep schedules aligned.

Consideraciones clave

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

Vaccine availability varies by state based on regulations. La presente lista no incluye a todos los que deberían vacunarse. Se aplican restricciones de edad. Disponibles cuando un profesional certificado para vacunar esté de turno. Vaccines are available at most CVS Pharmacy^® locations. Visite CVS.com/vaccines para más información.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.