What is the best approach to shop for high school supplies? Get a list from your child’s schoolteacher ahead of time or wait until school starts to find out what’s actually required to eliminate the guesswork. You can be ready for the new school year with our list of high school back-to-school supplies.

The Basics

1. No. 2 Pencils

If students are doing lots of on-paper problem-solving and calculations then you need a pencil that holds a sharp point for as long as possible, so you can write small details and not have to sharpen them often. No. 2 pencils require far less sharpening than softer pencils.

2. Mechanical Pencils

Mechanical pencils have a good counterweight so that when you’re drawing or writing, they can balance easily and comfortably.

3. Colored Pencils

Colored pencils are great for coloring and labeling detailed science-lab worksheets and artwork. And also detailed maps for geography.

4. Pencil Sharpener (Manual with a Top to Collect Shavings)

While it was once common to sharpen graphite and colored pencils with a knife, we now use specially-designed sharpeners to do the job. If you want to achieve optimum sharpening results, the blade of your sharpener always needs to be sharp.

5. Large Pink Eraser

Remove pencil marks without smearing or staining. Paper Mate Pink Pearl Erasers are the perfect partner for your writing. The classic design is ideal for everyone from students to serious artists

6. Ballpoint Pens

From boardrooms to college classrooms, ballpoint pens can be consistent and affordable writing implements. To pick a good ballpoint pen for your writing purposes, compare various options available online. Get a couple with red, green, or purple ink, too, because some teachers have students do peer editing.

7. Spiral-Bound or Composition Notebooks

Spiral binding helps keep your pages together. The spiral binding is dependable, so your pages stay secure despite constant handling.

8. Loose-Leaf Notebook Paper

Teachers can be picky about paper — most ask that students use the college-ruled variety. Loose-leaf notebook paper is great for school reports and note-taking. Plus, it’s 3-hole punched, letting you store the sheets of paper inside of your 3-ring binder.

9. Ruler with English and Metric Measurements

The metal rulers are excellently designed with accurate inch and metric measurements, clear scales, and are easy to read. The thickness of the steel rulers is 0.03 inches, not easy to break. Dust-proof and shatterproof, can use lastly for a long time.

Organizational Helpers

1. Several Three-Ring Binders

Some teachers require that a binder be used exclusively for their class. Great for homework assignments and office records, a three-ring binder helps keep important papers together. Add a label to the covers and spine to ensure the binder can easily be identified when you need it most.

2. Three-Hole Punch

Shop a regular one or one that fits in a three-ring binder. Easily punch up to 12 sheets.

3. Pencil Case that Fits in a Binder

Store and organize small supplies like pens, pencils, and notepads within a pencil case. The durable pencil case has a zip closure, so your items don’t fall out as you’re walking.

4. Binder Dividers

The kinds with pockets are good for loose papers. Tab dividers are made of durable, tear-resistant PVC-free plastic. Big Tab dividers provide enhanced tab visibility with 50% more writing space than standard divider tabs, allowing for bigger fonts and handwriting.

5. Pocket Folders

Pocket folders help in keeping documents and paperwork neatly separated to ensure you stay organized and efficient during a busy day. This pocket folder provides an easy way to keep pre-punched sheets easy to find and in order.

6. Folders that Fit in Binders

These all-weather binders are ideal for protecting important documents in extreme weather conditions. These folders hold punched papers in place and offer easy turning, and inside pockets make it easy to organize loose sheets and other documents.

7. Calendar or Planner for Scheduling or Recording Assignments

Calendar or planner help in note space for future planning per month to keep you organized.

8. A Sturdy, Supportive Backpack

Some schools do not permit rolling backpacks because of space considerations, so check with your school before considering the rolling backpacks option.

Study Aids

1. Index Cards, Ruled and Unruled

These are great for making flashcards. Index cards are an excellent tool for studying and making quick references.

2. Highlighters

Enhance your study sessions by reviewing and rereading only the content that matters. Plus, these assorted highlighter pens let you pinpoint the most important material and provide a comfortable grip for long writing sessions.

3. Calculator or Mobile Phone with a Calculator

Check with the math teacher first before investing in an expensive calculator. Graphing calculators, for example, are required in some middle and high school math classes. Teachers advise parents not to buy a calculator with more functions than their students will use. Also, check with the teacher to determine the policy on mobile phones that have calculators, and determine whether your child will use them responsibly

Craft Materials

1. Drawing Paper

There are tons of interesting drawing papers that you can use for your pen and ink artwork! From sleek Yupo to ancient papyrus, you can delight in the plentiful array of textures, colors, and weights.

2. Construction Paper

Bring vibrant color to bulletin boards and art projects with construction paper. The set is great for those who want an easy way to get into crafting.

3. Glue Sticks

Great for school projects or just fun arts and crafts at home, these glue sticks are simple to use. The permanent adhesive provides a stronghold, and the washable design means it is easy to get off of your hands.

4. Four-Ounce Bottle of White Glue

Create amazing displays and projects with school glue. Versatile school glue is great for all kinds of projects.

5. Scotch Tape

This long-lasting Scotch Greener transparent tape makes mending and sealing neat, clean, and simple, tackling general-purpose sticking jobs around the home, classroom, or office.

6. Stapler

Best is a mini stapler, which is easily portable, for last-minute stapling emergencies!

7. Scissors

Whether you’re working on a school project, creating decorations, or simply doing general house or office work, having a pair of scissors can come in handy. Keep a pair in your desk or school bag, so they’re simple to find when you need them.

8. Water-Based Markers

Vibrant colors stand out on both light and dark surfaces. Water-based markers create bright and vivid artwork.

Home Computer Supplies

1. Printer Paper

This printer paper is made for smooth, consistent performance and is available in large quantities, so it’s easy to keep your production stations stocked and ready to go.

2. Ink Cartridges

From crisp, bold text to pitch-black graphics, use this HP 64XL high-yield original ink cartridge to get the results you need. Great for high-volume projects, this high-capacity HP ink cartridge helps you save time with fewer replacements.

Nice-to-Have Supplies for High School

1. Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Avoid plastic bottles that contain bisphenol A, a hormone-disrupting chemical linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, birth defects, and cancer.