Back to school supplies list for high school 2026: must-have items for U.S. students

The 2026-2027 school year is just around the corner, and having the right supplies can make all the difference for your high schooler. This back to school supplies list for high school 2026 covers everything from basic essentials to tech and organization tools, tailored for U.S. students. Requirements vary by school district and subjects, but this checklist ensures you won’t miss a thing.

High school students often need subject-specific items, like scientific calculators, separate spiral notebooks, or binders with dividers. Many schools also require tech devices (such as Chromebooks or tablets) and accessories to protect them. Check your school’s supply list early—some districts publish theirs in July or August—and take advantage of back-to-school sales at stores like Target, Walmart, or Amazon.

How to use this list in Foco

Import this list into Foco to stay organized by category: create a project called 'School supplies' and assign different colors to sections (basics, tech, organization). Use the Kanban view to move tasks between columns like 'To buy,' 'Purchased,' and 'Packed.' If you’re on the Plus plan, use voice capture to add extra items your child or school mentions. Sync Foco’s calendar with Google Calendar to mark key dates, like school supply fairs or online order deadlines.

• Check the official supply list published by your school or district (usually available in July or August on the school’s website or portals like ParentSquare)
• Buy 1- or 1.5-inch spiral notebooks (one per subject, preferably with durable or customizable covers)
• Purchase 1-inch binders with dividers or folders for organizing notes by subject (choose models with pockets for loose sheets)
• Get blue, black, and red pens (pack of 10-12), mechanical or graphite pencils (with refills), and highlighters in yellow, pink, green, and blue
• Include liquid or tape correction fluid, white erasers, and a pencil sharpener with a shavings container (or refills for electric sharpeners)
• Buy a 12-inch ruler (metal or durable plastic), protractor, compass, and set squares for math and geometry classes
• Purchase a scientific calculator (recommended models: Texas Instruments TI-30XS or TI-84 Plus CE; verify if your school requires a specific model)
• Get sticky notes (Post-it) in various sizes and colors for quick reminders and annotations
• Include glue sticks or liquid glue, blunt-tip scissors, and clear adhesive tape (preferably in a dispenser)
• Buy a durable backpack with lumbar support and padded straps (check your school’s maximum size requirements)
• Get a pencil case or organizer with compartments for small supplies (to prevent losses)
• Purchase a reusable water bottle (some schools require specific brands or prohibit bottles with logos)
• Include a lunchbox or bento box with compartments (if your child brings lunch from home, check school food policies)
• Buy a Chromebook, tablet, or laptop as required by your school (common models: Acer Spin 311 or Lenovo 300e; some districts offer rental options)
• Get a protective case or sleeve for the tech device (with keyboard support if needed)
• Purchase headphones with a microphone (wired or wireless; check if your school requires specific models for exams)
• Include a USB flash drive (at least 16 GB) for file storage and transfers (some schools provide cloud storage)
• Buy a portable charger (power bank) with a minimum 10,000 mAh capacity for emergencies (check school policies on usage)
• Get a physical planner (like Mead or Blue Sky) or set up a digital one in Foco to track assignments and deadlines
• Purchase binder dividers with customizable tabs for each subject
• Include adhesive labels or permanent markers to label books, notebooks, and devices (to prevent losses at school)
• Buy disposable or reusable face masks (some districts may still recommend them in 2026; check local guidelines)
• Get travel-sized hand sanitizer (some schools require alcohol-free brands)
• Include small packs of tissues for the backpack (some schools specify brands)
• Buy a small combination lock for the locker (if allowed by the school, to avoid losing keys)