Back to school supply list for high school students 2026: essentials by subject

The 2026-2027 school year in the U.S. starts in August or September, depending on your school district. This back to school supply list for high school students 2026 covers everything from basic materials to tech and subject-specific supplies for STEM, arts, and sports. It includes recommendations by subject and tips to save money without compromising quality.

Most districts publish official supply lists on their websites or at stores like Target, Walmart, or Staples. Always check your school’s list, as some teachers may request additional items during the first weeks. This checklist aligns with most U.S. high school programs.

How to use this list in Foco

Create a project called 'School Supplies' and add these tasks. Use tags like '#STEM', '#Arts', or '#Sports' to filter by subject. Set priority to 'urgent' for items you need to buy before the first day of school. Sync Foco’s calendar with Google Calendar to track key dates, like back-to-school supply fairs in your area.

• Check your school district’s official supply list for any specific requirements
• Buy a durable backpack with lumbar support and organizational pockets (recommended brands: JanSport, The North Face, or L.L.Bean)
• Purchase 100-150 page spiral notebooks (one for each core subject: math, science, English, history)
• Get 3-ring binders with dividers for each subject (opt for durable plastic ones)
• Buy blue, black, and red pens (12-pack, Pilot G2 or Paper Mate InkJoy)
• Purchase mechanical pencils (0.7 mm) and extra lead refills (Pentel or BIC)
• Get fluorescent highlighters (yellow, pink, green, and blue, Sharpie or Stabilo)
• Buy a scientific calculator for STEM (Texas Instruments TI-30XS or Casio fx-300ESPLUS2)
• Purchase a graphing calculator if taking advanced algebra or calculus (Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE)
• Get a 12-inch ruler, protractor, compass, and set square for math and geometry
• Buy sticky notes (Post-it) in various sizes and colors for quick annotations
• Choose an academic planner (physical or digital, like Blue Sky or Erin Condren)
• Select a tech device: Chromebook (Acer or Lenovo), iPad with Apple Pencil, or laptop (check school requirements)
• Buy headphones with a microphone for virtual classes (Logitech or JBL)
• Get a 32 GB or 64 GB USB flash drive for saving assignments and projects
• Purchase art supplies: sketchbook (9x12 inches), graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B), kneaded eraser, and watercolor or marker set (Crayola or Prismacolor)
• Buy athletic wear and shoes for PE (running shoes with support, breathable clothing)
• Get a reusable water bottle (Hydro Flask or CamelBak, 32 oz or larger)
• Purchase a healthy lunch kit: bento box with compartments and an insulated lunch bag
• Buy a combination lock for your locker (Master Lock or Wordlock)
• Update software on devices: Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, and educational apps like Khan Academy or Duolingo
• Create digital folders in Google Drive or OneDrive to organize documents by subject
• Buy protective covers for textbooks and notebooks (clear, durable sleeves)
• Get tape, glue sticks, and scissors for crafts and projects
• Purchase tissues and hand sanitizer for classroom hygiene
• Label all supplies with your name using adhesive labels or a permanent marker