Back to school supplies list for middle and high school 2026: must-have items in the U.S.

The 2026-2027 school year is just around the corner, and preparing your back to school supplies list for middle and high school early helps avoid last-minute rushes while taking advantage of seasonal deals (like Tax-Free Weekend in states like Texas or Florida, typically in early August). This checklist covers everything from basic supplies to tech and organization tools, tailored to the real needs of U.S. middle and high school students.

In the U.S., many school districts publish grade- or subject-specific supply lists on their websites (such as those for New York or California public schools), but this guide serves as a universal starting point. It includes materials for core classes (math, science, English), group projects, personal organization, and common tech requirements, like laptops or graphing calculators for advanced courses.

How to use this list in Foco

Create a project called 'School Supplies' in Foco and add these tasks. Use tags like #tech, #supplies, or #organization to filter by category. If shopping online, attach product links or photos in the task notes. For deal reminders, schedule due dates in August and set reminders (e.g., 1 day before your state’s Tax-Free Weekend).

• Check the school’s official supply list (look on the district website or parent portal)
• Buy a durable backpack with lumbar support and organizer pockets (recommended brands: JanSport, The North Face, or L.L.Bean)
• Purchase 1- or 1.5-inch spiral notebooks for each subject (5-7 units, preferably with dividers)
• Buy 3-ring binders with pockets (1 per subject, color-coded for easy identification)
• Get lined and graph paper (pack of 200-500 sheets, letter size)
• Purchase blue, black, and red pens (pack of 10-12), mechanical or graphite pencils (with erasers included)
• Buy highlighters (yellow, pink, green, and blue, pack of 4-6)
• Get permanent markers (Sharpie) and dry-erase markers (if required by the school)
• Purchase glue sticks or liquid glue (1-2 units), blunt-tip scissors, and a 12-inch ruler (with centimeter and inch measurements)
• Buy a scientific calculator (Texas Instruments TI-30XS for middle school or TI-84 Plus for high school, especially for advanced math courses)
• Get a pencil case with compartments (or a desktop organizer for home)
• Purchase an academic planner (physical or digital, like Blue Sky or Erin Condren, to track assignments and deadlines)
• Buy headphones with a microphone (wired or wireless, compatible with school-issued Chromebooks or laptops)
• Get a 32GB or 64GB USB flash drive (for saving projects and assignments)
• Purchase a laptop or Chromebook (check school requirements; common models: Dell Inspiron, HP Stream, or Lenovo Chromebook)
• Buy a protective laptop sleeve or case (padded with accessory pockets)
• Get a reusable water bottle (insulated, like Hydro Flask or Yeti, to stay hydrated during the day)
• Purchase a lunchbox (insulated with compartments, if not using the school cafeteria)
• Buy disposable or reusable face masks (if required by the school, pack of 10-20)
• Get hand sanitizer (gel or spray, 8-12 oz bottle for backpack)
• Purchase tissues (pack of 100, for allergies or colds)
• Buy adhesive tape (clear and colored, small roll for projects)
• Get sticky notes (Post-it, multiple colors and sizes, for reminders and organization)
• Purchase sunscreen stick or spray (for outdoor activities, SPF 30 or higher)