High School Success Starts with the Right Tools: Essential Supplies for a Stellar School Year

High school is a dynamic chapter filled with academic growth, personal development, and exciting challenges. To thrive in this environment, students need more than just old-fashioned textbooks—they need the right tools to support their journey. In this guide, we’ll explore essential school supplies that will set high school students up for a successful and productive school year.

The Perfect Planner: Mastering Time Management

A reliable planner is a high school student’s secret weapon. Look for a planner that offers ample space for daily schedules, assignments, and extracurricular activities. With the demands of high school, a well-structured planner becomes crucial in managing time effectively. Students should use it to track homework, project deadlines, and important dates. By consistently using a planner, students build strong time management skills that will serve them in college and beyond. A planner isn’t just a tool—it’s a roadmap to success, helping students balance their academic commitments, extracurricular activities, and personal life.

Calculated Success: SAT-Approved Graphing Calculator

High school often involves advanced math courses and standardized tests. To excel in these areas, invest in a graphing calculator that is approved by CollegeBoard for use in the SAT. Ensure that the calculator is on the approved list to confidently use it during the test. Even with the SAT going digital, you may use your own calculator—so long as it’s one of the approved models. Having a reliable calculator not only aids in classwork but also prepares students for success in crucial exams that play a role in college admissions. A trusted calculator is more than a math tool—it’s a ticket to confidently tackling complex equations and achieving math excellence.

A Productive Work Space: Home Environment for Learning

This next tip is less about supplies, and more about where you’ll use them. Creating a conducive home work space is vital for high school success. Designate a quiet, well-lit area that is free from distractions. Essential desk supplies include extra paper, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, and a desk organizer. An organized work space boosts productivity and helps students stay on top of assignments, enhancing their overall learning experience. Limit using this designated study space for relaxation or other activities. By consistently studying in the same physical space, your brain will more easily go into “study mode” when you sit down at your desk. Limiting distractions is key.


Equip high school students with the perfect planner for managing time and a CollegeBoard-approved calculator for math success. Designing an effective work space enhances focus and organization. By investing in these tools, students lay the foundation for high school achievement and beyond. Here’s to a year filled with growth, accomplishments, and unwavering success!

Looking for more advice to prepare your elementary or middle student for the school year? Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more back-to-school tips!

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