List of School Supplies That Every High School Student Needs

Every high school student needs a few basic supplies.

High schools often provide some essentials, such as textbooks and gym uniforms, at no cost. It is the student's responsibility to purchase other materials to help them take notes, keep their schoolwork organized, and transport their books from class to class. Some students opt for color-coded tabs, highlighters and other tools to organize and catalog their work with extreme efficiency, but this is optional. Most can succeed without all the extras.

Pencils and Pens

Both pencils and pens are important for taking notes and tests. Pencils are necessary for math and some science courses, since these classes require calculations. Since most students don't do equations perfectly each time, it's best to use pencils to enable erasing; some math teachers even require them. Pencils are also helpful for taking tests; if a student changes his mind about a test answer, it looks neater to erase an answer than to cross it out. Choose #2 pencils, since some machine-graded tests can only read #2 pencil marks. Extra erasers may also be helpful, since erasers that come with pencils tend to be small. Mechanical pencils are popular, since they don't require sharpening. Most teachers prefer black or blue pens for assignments and tests, since these colors are easiest to read. Choose permanent-ink pens, since erasable pen marks tend to erase or smudge heavily when rubbed with anything, including hands. A red-ink pen is helpful, too, since you may have to correct or evaluate your peers' assignments.

Notebooks

Plenty of notebooks are essential. Choose a college-ruled notebook. They more mature than wide-ruled, and make a better presentation. College-ruled notebooks are also more economical, since there are more lines per sheet of paper. Choose a notebook with perforated pages so you can neatly tear out pages when necessary. Some teachers dislike torn edges and fringe. Choose a one-subject notebook for each subject.

Three-Ring Binder and folders

A three-ring binder, with folders for each subject, helps you organize handouts, assignments and tests. When you organize your work in folders, it is easier to access materials you need to hand in or refer to when studying or doing homework.

Backpack/Messenger Bag

A backpack or messenger bag will help you carry your books from class to class, and keeps your school supplies organized. Some schools require backpacks to be transparent for security reasons, so check school policy before purchasing an opaque backpack.

Calculator

A calculator is helpful and often necessary for math and science classes, since hand calculations may take more time than is allotted for a test. Choose a scientific calculator, since non-scientific calculators don't support the order of operations. If you're a serious math student, taking calculus courses and/or participating in a math team, you may want to invest in a graphing calculator. These calculators are quite expensive, however, and a standard calculator will work for most students. Your teacher will no doubt tell you on or before the first day which one is required.

Lock

Many schools provide combination locks for hall lockers, but students are usually responsible for buying a combination lock for gym lockers, which are shared by many students. A combination lock is not required, but it will keep your belongings safe during gym period. Most students use inexpensive combination locks, but a key lock is acceptable.

References

• GreatSchools: A Supply List for High School