Family & school

Back-to-School Checklist

Get ready for a new school year with one clear list. Use this back-to-school checklist to organize supplies, clothing, forms, and routines for your student.

Use this template

Start a back-to-school checklist from this template, then adjust it for your child’s grade level, school, and activities.

Create a version for each child and reuse it every school year with Pro.

Back-to-School Checklist Preview

Here’s a sample of what your back-to-school checklist might include. Adjust it based on your school’s supply list and your child’s needs.

Supplies & clothing

  • • Notebooks, folders, and binders
  • • Pens, pencils, highlighters, and markers
  • • Backpack, lunchbox, and water bottle
  • • School clothes, uniforms, and shoes

Forms & routines

  • • Complete registration and medical forms
  • • Confirm bus route or pickup schedule
  • • Set school-night bedtime and morning routine
  • • Plan lunches and after-school activities
Reduce first-week chaos.
A checklist keeps everything in one place—supplies, paperwork, and schedule changes—so the transition back to school feels smoother.

Back-to-School Checklist FAQ

When should I start back-to-school prep?

Many families start 2–4 weeks before school begins, especially for clothing, supplies, and updated routines.

Can I reuse this checklist every year?

Yes. Save your customized back-to-school checklist in NeedChecklist, then duplicate and adjust it for each new grade or school.

Ready for a smoother start to the school year?

Start with this back-to-school template, then personalize it for your student and school.

About this template

This checklist works for elementary, middle, or high school students. Edit it in NeedChecklist to match your district’s supply list and your family’s routines.

Save, edit & export with Pro

  • Save a list for each child
  • Reuse and update it each school year
  • Export as a PDF or print for shopping trips
View Pro plans