High School Supplies
Back-to-school time means new possibilities are just around the corner. Set your high school student up for a great school year in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 with all the supplies they’ll need to succeed. From high school freshmen to seniors, Staples carries essentials for every level of high school student. Learn more below!
What Are Essential High School Supplies?
Essential school supplies for high school tend to include items like notebooks, binders, folders, writing supplies, notecards, graphing calculators and personal items like lunchboxes, backpacks and water bottles. High school students may also need a laptop or Chromebook to help with their studies. The best plan for shopping for high school supplies is to get a list from your child’s teacher or school detailing what will be needed for that school year. The right tools will help ensure your student stays focused and engaged in learning while ensuring they have the resources to fully participate.
General School Supplies for High Schoolers
While different items are needed for different grade levels, here’s a more detailed list of general back-to-school supplies for high school students.
Basic Supplies
These are high school supplies you can expect your student to need, no matter their classes or age:
- Backpack
- 3-ring binder
- No. 2 pencils
- Mechanical pencils
- Colored pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- Erasers
- Pens
- Spiral-bound or composition notebooks
- Loose-leaf notebook paper (Most teachers ask that high school students use the college-ruled variety.)
- Ruler
Organization Helpers
These are back-to-school supplies for high school that are useful for students that might struggle to keep track of their homework or assignments:
- 3-hole punch that fits into a 3-ring binder
- Pencil case that fits in a binder
- Binder dividers with pockets are good for loose papers
- Pocket folders
- Folders that fit in binders
- Calendar or planner for scheduling or recording assignments
Art Materials
These are high school supplies useful for creative students who might be taking a lot of art classes:
- Drawing paper
- Construction paper
- Glue sticks
- 4-ounce bottle of white glue
- Scotch tape
- Mini stapler
- Scissors
- Water-based markers
Study Aids
These are supplies for high school for students who might be preparing for college or taking a heavier class load:
- Index cards, ruled and unruled
- Highlighters
- Calculator or mobile phone with calculator
School Supplies for Different Grades
Certain grades will feature classes that require particular high school supplies.
School Supplies for High School Freshmen
It’s common for high school freshmen to take algebra or geometry classes, in which case they’ll need the following supplies:
- Scientific calculator with fraction key
- Circular protractor
- Ruler marked with inches and centimeters
- Compass
- Graph paper
School Supplies for High School Sophomores
Sophomores often start taking language classes to fulfill foreign language requirements. Staples recommends the following:
- 3x5 colored index cards
- Foreign language dictionary
- Study guides for PSAT
School Supplies for High School Juniors
Juniors are likely to start taking more advanced classes that require specific tools like:
- Science/Biology dictionary
- Graphing calculator, such as TI-83 or 86
- Study guides for AP testing, SAT or ACT
School Supplies for High School Seniors
Seniors are more likely to be taking classes in preparation for college courses. Staples recommends the following:
- Scientific calculator with fraction key
- Study guides for SAT, ACT or the testing your child will undergo