Complete Back-to-School Supply Checklist by Grade Level: Everything You Need for 2025

Getting organized for a new homeschool year can feel overwhelming. After years of trial and error, I've created the ultimate grade-by-grade supply checklist to ensure you have everything needed for a successful year without overspending on unnecessary items.

Preschool (Ages 3-5) Supply Checklist

Basic Learning Supplies

Writing Tools: Large crayons (16-24 count), washable markers, finger paints, large pencils with grips

Paper Products: Large drawing paper, construction paper variety pack, sticker sheets, coloring books

Manipulatives: Counting bears, large wooden beads, shape sorters, pattern blocks

Organization Essentials

Storage: Large plastic bins with lids, small containers for sorting, art supply caddy

Furniture: Child-sized table and chair, book storage bin, floor cushions for reading time

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Supply Checklist

Writing and Reading

Writing Tools: #2 pencils with erasers, colored pencils (12 count), washable markers, glue sticks

Paper: Wide-ruled notebook paper, composition notebooks, handwriting practice paper

Reading: Bookmarks, reading log sheets, phonics flashcards, sight word cards

Math Essentials

Manipulatives: Counting cubes, base-ten blocks, number line (0-100), math fact flashcards

Tools: Student ruler (inches and centimeters), play money, geometric shapes.

Organization

Storage: Pencil box, folder organizer, assignment basket, supply cart with drawers

Planning: Student planner or assignment sheet, wall calendar, daily schedule chart

3rd-5th Grade Supply Checklist

Core Academic Supplies

Writing: Mechanical pencils, pens (blue and black), highlighters, correction tape

Paper: College-ruled notebooks, graph paper, index cards, sticky notes

Reference: Student dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, multiplication chart

Subject-Specific Materials

Science: Magnifying glass, ruler, measuring cups, safety goggles, lab notebook

Math: Protractor, compass, calculator (basic), fraction manipulatives

Art: Colored pencils (24+ count), watercolor set, sketch pad, art eraser

Technology and Organization

Tech: Basic calculator, computer access, educational software subscriptions

Organization: Binder with dividers, hole punch, stapler, file folders

Middle School (6th-8th Grade) Supply Checklist

Advanced Academic Tools

Writing: Quality pens, mechanical pencils with lead refills, highlighter set, white-out

Paper: College-ruled loose-leaf paper, graph paper, composition books by subject

Reference: Comprehensive dictionary, style guide, subject-specific reference books

Subject Specialization

Math: Scientific calculator, geometry set (compass, protractor), graphing paper

Science: Lab notebook, safety equipment, microscope (student-grade), experiment supplies

Language Arts: Thesaurus, grammar reference, reading journal, writing portfolio

Technology Integration

Digital Tools: Laptop or tablet, educational software, online subscriptions, printer access

Organization: Multi-subject binders, expandable files, desk organizer, assignment planner

High School (9th-12th Grade) Supply Checklist

College-Prep Essentials

Writing: Professional-quality pens, mechanical pencils, highlighter variety pack

Technology: Laptop with word processing, scientific calculator, graphing calculator

Reference: Comprehensive style guides, subject dictionaries, college prep books

Advanced Subject Materials

Sciences: Lab equipment, safety gear, advanced microscope, lab notebooks

Mathematics: Graphing calculator, geometry tools, advanced math reference books

Languages: Translation dictionaries, audio resources, cultural reference materials

College Preparation

Testing: SAT/ACT prep books, practice test materials, test-taking supplies

Documentation: Portfolio binders, transcript materials, college application organizers

Universal Supplies for All Ages

Health and Safety

First Aid: Basic first aid kit, hand sanitizer, tissues, bandages

Comfort: Water bottles, healthy snacks, comfortable seating options

Organization Systems

Storage: Shelving units, storage bins, label maker, file cabinets

Planning: Family calendar, lesson plan books, grade tracking sheets

Money-Saving Tips

Smart Shopping Strategies

Timing: Shop back-to-school sales in July-August, buy next year's supplies at end-of-season clearance.

Bulk Buying: Purchase frequently used items in bulk, and share bulk purchases with other homeschool families

Reuse and Repurpose: Check existing supplies before buying, and repurpose containers for organization.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

DIY Options: Make flashcards instead of buying, create manipulatives from household items

Free Resources: Use library resources, download free printables, and join supply swaps with other families

Storage and Organization Solutions

Supply Management

Inventory System: Create supply inventory lists, designate storage areas by subject, and label everything clearly

Accessibility: Store frequently used items within easy reach, rotate seasonal supplies, and maintain supply stations

Space Optimization

Vertical Storage: Use wall-mounted organizers, over-door storage, and stackable containers

Multi-Purpose Items: Choose supplies that serve multiple functions, and invest in quality items that last

Printable Checklist

Create a customized checklist based on your children's grade levels and specific curriculum needs. Check off items as you gather them, and keep the list for reference throughout the year when supplies need replenishing.

Remember, this list is comprehensive - you don't need everything at once! Start with essentials and add items as needed throughout the year.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These supply recommendations are based on years of homeschool experience and testing what gets used.