High School Supply List:
What to Pack for the Perfect First Day

The first day of high school is a landmark occasion, and we know you want to show up prepared. So, we’ve created a high school supply list with all the supplies you (or your child) will need for class. A couple of tips: we suggest waiting until after the first day to buy less essential items like markers or sticky notes. Sometimes, the school will provide them (or you’ll find you don’t need them). It’s also a good idea to double check with your teachers, since they may require different, less, or more items than the ones on this list.

The basics

These are the supplies that will help most students succeed. Some, like a lunch bag, may be more essential, while others, like hole reinforcers, you could probably get away without. Use your discretion to decide what makes you feel equipped to ace that first exam.

• Ballpoint pens in blue and/or black
• Sharpened pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Highlighters
• Notebook paper
• Subject dividers
• Index cards
• Notebooks
• Ruler 
• Backpack
• Folders 
• Book covers
• Combination lock
• Hole reinforcers
• Sticky notes
• Geometry compass 
• Geometry protractor

What to pack in your backpack

If you’re lucky enough to have your own locker, you only need to carry the essentials in your backpack. We recommend packing anything you’ll need to transport to and from school, plus extras like lip balm and a water bottle to keep you feeling healthy and comfortable all day.

• Pencil case
• Planner
• Toiletry bag
• Lip balm
• Lunch bag
• Hand sanitizer
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Homework holder
  
  

Essentials for designing your locker

An attractive, well-organized locker is a small thing that can make a big difference in your school day, so pick a few locker accessories that make you smile.

•  Locker pendant or chandelier
•  Poster
•  Locker shelf
• Photos
  
• Locker wallpaper
• Mini faux plant
• Locker mirror
• Magnets
• Dry erase board
  
  

The crafty and colorful

Taking an art class? Have a lot of presentations in your plans? It doesn’t hurt to have a few tools for creating stunning visuals.

• Glue
• Scissors
  
• Colored pencils
• Stapler
• Markers
• Tape
  
• Construction paper
  
• Poster board
  

The Extras

If you need to use a computer for classes, your school library may provide them. Of course, a laptop and printer at home may make things more convenient.

• Flash drive 
• Laptop 
• Printer 
• Wireless mouse
• Ink cartridges
  
  

We hope this high school supply list helps you feel ready and excited for your first day. We think the most important supplies are confidence and a smile, but we’ve got you covered with study accessories too. Headed off to college instead? Check out our college packing list.