List of Supplies for High School Students

One of the best ways to be successful in high school is to have a complete set of study items on hand. Not only will you be prepared for just about every assignment, you'll also avoid time-consuming last-minute trips to the store. 

General Supplies for All Grades

Some supplies are necessary to have year after year, no matter what grade you're in. Right before the new school year begins, invest in these items and you'll be good to go. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a full stock of supplies. Many of these items can be found at dollar and other discount stores.

• Backpack
• 3-ring binder
• Pocket folders
• Notebook Dividers
• Colored pencils
• No. 2 pencils
• Erasers
• Pencil sharpener
• Pencil case
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Markers
• Lined notebook paper
• Graph paper
• Spiral notebooks
• Computer printer paper
• Flash drive
• Glue stick
• Hand sanitizer
• Locker organizers
• Organizer/planner
• Paper clips
• Scissors
• Stapler
• 3-hole punch
• Poster paints
• Poster paper
• Public library card

Extra supplies might be necessary as well but will differ from school to school and class to class. Check with your teachers for specifics.

Supplies for 9th Grade

Students beginning their first year of high school may take a variety of classes. Depending on your course schedule, supplies may vary.

Algebra I

• Scientific calculator with fraction key

Geometry

• Scientific calculator with fraction key
• Circular protractor
• Ruler marked with inches and centimeters
• Compass

Foreign Language

• 3x5 colored index cards
• Foreign language dictionary (or smartphone app)
• Electronic translator (or smartphone app)

Supplies for 10th Grade

Many students are likely to take the following classes in 10th grade. Depending on your course schedule, supplies may vary.

Algebra II

• Scientific calculator with fraction key

Geometry

• Scientific calculator with fraction key
• Circular protractor
• Ruler marked with inches and centimeters
• Compass

Foreign Language

• 3x5 colored index cards
• Foreign language dictionary (or smartphone app)
• Electronic translator (or smartphone app)

Supplies for 11th Grade

Juniors should be prepared for typical 11th-grade classes by having these supplies on hand:

Biology II

• Science/Biology dictionary (or smartphone app)

Calculus

• Graphing calculator, such as TI-83 or 86

Accounting

• Four-function calculator with percent key

Foreign Language

• 3x5 colored index cards
• Foreign language dictionary (or smartphone app)
• Electronic translator (or smartphone app)

Supplies for 12th Grade

Plan for these typical senior-year classes with the following items:

Marketing

• Four-function calculator with percent key

Statistics

• Scientific calculator with fraction key

Chemistry or Physics

• Scientific calculator

Foreign Language

• 3x5 colored index cards
• Foreign language dictionary (or smartphone app)
• Electronic translator (or smartphone app)

Additional Supplies

If your family's budget allows, these items will also be helpful in your studies:

• Laptop or Notebook Computer: You will likely have access to a computer lab on campus or at the public library, but a laptop or notebook computer with a click-on keyboard will allow you to do your work anywhere.
• Smartphone: While your teachers will likely not allow phones in the classroom, having access to a smartphone will enable you to use a wealth of education-related apps and websites.
• Printer/Scanner: Although you may be able to print your work out on your school's printers, having one at home is much more convenient—and it will allow you to check your work more easily. Make sure to get one with scanning capabilities. Scanners can be used to create study guides from your books, which will help you in everything from preparing for tests to writing a research paper.
• Post-It™ Easel Pads: This item is useful for brainstorming, especially in a study-group setting. It's basically a pad of giant sticky notes that you can fill with ideas and list items and then stick to a wall or any other surface. 
• Smartpen by Livescribe: This is a favorite tool for math students, who may "get it" during a lecture in class, but then "lose it" when they sit down to work the problems on their own. The Smartpen will allow you to record a lecture while taking notes, and then afterward place the pen tip on any word or drawing and listen to the part of the lecture that was taking place when those notes were recorded.