Organize school tasks with ready-to-use school checklists. From back-to-school prep to classroom management, stay on track every step of the way.

School Checklists

Complete back to school preparation checklist covering all essential aspects of school readiness including administrative paperwork, school supplies and stationery, clothing and uniforms, health and safety items, technology requirements, study space setup, time management routines, academic preparation, and emotional readiness to ensure a successful start to the school year.

Comprehensive back to school preparation checklist covering administrative tasks, supplies, clothing, health, technology, study space, routines, and emotional readiness.

Back to School Checklist: Supplies, Clothes & Essentials for Every Grade

Complete and submit school registration forms

Fill and return permission slips (field trips, media, etc.)

Create or update a school calendar (holidays, exams, events)

Establish communication channels (teacher emails, school app, parent portal)

Administrative & Paperwork

School Supplies & Stationery

Protective covers for electronics (tablet case, laptop sleeve)

Backpacks, Bags & Storage

Spare change of clothes (especially for younger children)

Clothing, Shoes & Uniforms

First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, etc.)

Refillable water bottle (to encourage hydration)

Personal hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, etc.)

Medication & prescription forms (if needed)

Copies of medical conditions / allergy forms

Health, Safety & Hygiene

Technology & Digital Tools

Study / Homework Space Setup

Morning routine checklist (wake up, hygiene, breakfast)

Time Management & Routine Planning

Learn (or review) digital tools used in class

Familiarize with school curriculum / syllabus

Establish study techniques (flashcards, summarizing)

Academic & Skill Prep

Talk about first-day expectations & fears

Introduce / reconnect with classmates / friends

Practice social skills (greeting, sharing)

Explore extracurriculars for social connection

Emotional / Social Readiness & Well-being

Complete back to school preparation checklist specifically designed for parents covering all essential aspects of school readiness including health and wellness preparations, school registration and paperwork, academic planning and materials, clothing and uniforms, transportation and safety, daily routines, emotional and social readiness, parent communication and engagement, financial planning, and first week preparation to ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year.

Comprehensive back to school preparation checklist for parents covering health, registration, supplies, clothing, transportation, routines, emotional readiness, communication, finances, and first week preparation.

Back to School Checklist for Parents: Stay Organized This Year

Schedule a full physical / wellness checkup

Ensure immunizations / vaccinations are up to date

Review or renew prescriptions / medications

Prepare and deliver any long-term medication forms to school

Get sports physical (if child will join athletics)

Update allergy/asthma plans and inform school nurse

Stock a small first aid kit (band-aids, wipes, etc.)

Health & Wellness Preparations

Confirm enrollment / registration is completed

Review the school calendar (holidays, exam periods)

Submit emergency contact forms and update contacts

Read and agree to school policies (behavior, internet, dress code)

Provide medical / allergy forms to school

Sign consent forms for field trips, media release, etc.

Apply for free or reduced lunch / meal programs (if available)

Review school supply list from teacher or school

Understand school's pick-up / drop-off procedures

Register for parent portal / school communication apps

School Registration, Policies & Paperwork

Audit last year's supplies (what can be reused)

Buy required notebooks, textbooks, pens, etc.

Label all supplies and belongings (name tags)

Get folders, binders, dividers for organization

Stock printer paper, glue, scissors, pencils, pens

Get a planner or calendar for assignments & events

Buy or confirm use of educational software, apps, or accounts

Have a backup USB drive, charger, or stationery kit

Academic Planning & Materials

Take inventory of uniforms, shoes, socks — discard what doesn't fit

Purchase new uniforms or school-approved clothes

Get warm clothing (sweaters, jackets) if needed

Repair or replace school bags, lunch bags if damaged

Get extra hair ties, caps, belts, accessories

Include a spare change of clothes (especially for younger children)

Wash and prepare all outfits for first week

Clothing, Uniforms & Personal Gear

Confirm school bus route, pick-up/drop-off times

Provide reflective elements or safety gear (for walking / biking)

Teach or review emergency contact numbers / procedures

Plan for alternative transportation (in case of breakdowns)

Ensure child knows what to do if no one shows at pick-up

Familiarize child with school campus layout

Discuss safe stranger / unknown person protocols

Transportation & Safety

Gradually shift bedtime earlier before school starts

Set a consistent wake-up time and morning routine

Lay out first-day outfits the night before

Practice school-day morning routine (timing, packing)

Plan and pack lunches/snacks ahead of time

Establish after-school routine / chores / downtime

Plan for exercise, recess, or active breaks

Discuss expectations for homework, chores, screen use

Daily Routines & Lifestyle Adjustments

Talk with your child about new teacher, classmates, hopes and fears

Visit school or classroom in advance (orientation, open house)

Encourage children to meet new classmates or friends

Role-play social scenarios (introductions, asking for help)

Read books about starting school or new grade

Set goals and expectations together for the school year

Plan a "back-to-school" family event or positive ritual

Prepare conversation starters (for bus, break time)

Reassure and validate any anxieties or concerns

Encourage independence (packing, organizing)

Emotional & Social Readiness

Note teacher contact information (email, phone)

Mark parent/teacher meeting dates on calendar

Join parent groups or school associations

Follow school or class social media / communication channels

Volunteer for school events (if possible)

Ask about translation or interpretation services if needed

Keep a folder or binder for notes, school forms, communications

Set reminders for school announcements or newsletters

Engage with your child's teacher early (send a note / introduce)

Determine best way to check progress (app, portal, meetings)

Communication & Parent Engagement

Review school fees (tuition, activity fees, lab, sports)

Plan a budget for uniforms, supplies, transport

Save receipts for reimbursements or tax deductions

Buy in bulk (paper, pencils) to save cost

Set aside contingency funds for extras (field trips etc.)

Reuse or recycle older supplies when possible

Compare prices across stores / online for best deals

Apply for grants / aid / bursaries if available

Plan for ongoing costs (snacks, projects, printing)

Monitor supply needs during year & replenish early

Finances, Fees & Supplies Budgeting

Confirm first day schedule, bus time or pickup

Take first-day photos / document memories

Review class schedule / subjects with your child

Reinforce rules & positivity before heading out

Send a comfortable lunch / snacks for first day

Be available for emotional support after school

Review what went well and what to adjust for next day

Maintain patience — it may take a few days to settle in

School Year Kick-Off & First Week Prep

This comprehensive back-to-school checklist provides teachers with a systematic approach to preparing for the new academic year. The preparation process covers classroom setup and environment design, administrative and organizational systems, supplies and materials management, routines and classroom management strategies, lesson planning and curriculum preparation, parent and family communication, technology and digital tools integration, assessment and progress monitoring, first week launch activities, and teacher well-being and professional preparedness. Use this checklist to create an organized, engaging classroom environment, establish effective teaching systems, build positive relationships with students and families, and ensure a successful start to the academic year.

Comprehensive back-to-school preparation checklist for teachers covering classroom setup, organization, lesson planning, and student engagement.

Must-Have Back to School Checklist for Teachers

Arrange desks/tables and seating layout for flow, visibility, group work, and transitions.

Set up teacher station (desk, supplies, tech) so it's functional and accessible.

Arrange "learning zones" (reading corner, small-group area, independent work area).

Label furniture, shelves, bins, cubbies, and supply containers.

Post the daily schedule, classroom rules, routines, and class expectations visibly.

Create bulletin boards / display walls for student work, calendars, anchor charts.

Organize classroom library: categorize, label, and make easily accessible books.

Ensure lighting, ventilation, temperature, and seating comfort are appropriate.

Test and arrange power outlets, extension cords, charging stations, and tech access.

Leave "flex space" for extra activities or to rearrange as you get to know your students.

Classroom Setup & Environment

Prepare your class roster, seating charts, and student information sheets.

Create and file a substitute teacher folder with lesson plans, class routines, and emergency info.

Set up a filing system (digital and/or paper) for assessments, student work, and records.

Decide on a grade book or digital grade-tracking system and configure it.

Prepare master copies of recurring forms (permission slips, absence notes, etc.).

Create a long-term calendar (holidays, assessments, school events) and share it.

Maintain a contacts list (administration, custodians, tech support, nurses).

Gather and review school policies, handbooks, and procedural guides.

Backup your digital files (lesson plans, grade sheets, resources) to cloud or external drive.

Plan how to communicate late work, make-up work, missing assignments, etc.

Admin & Organizational Systems

Inventory existing classroom supplies (pens, pencils, markers, paper, glue, scissors).

Order or restock consumables (tissues, hand sanitizer, wipes, staples).

Prepare name tags, desk plates, and student labels.

Organize manipulatives, math kits, science supplies, and art materials.

Prepare student supply kits (what students must bring vs what you'll provide).

Pre-cut, punch, laminate, or prepare materials that will need prep in the first weeks.

Label and organize storage bins, trays, and containers.

Gather extra materials for students who forget or lose theirs.

Place "emergency supply kits" in each area (scissors, markers, paper, etc.).

Inventory technology supplies (chargers, cables, adapters, batteries) and extras.

Supplies & Materials

Define and post class rules, consequences, and reward systems.

Plan routines for entering/exiting, transitions, lining up, bathroom breaks, etc.

Create systems for students to submit classwork, homework, and return materials.

Plan how to handle missing assignments, late work, and make-up work.

Develop routines for independent work, group work, partner work, and centers.

Teach procedures for use of supplies, materials, classroom tech, and movement.

Plan how to manage classroom jobs or responsibilities (rotating roles).

Plan signals for attention (e.g. call & response, hand signals, timers).

Prepare a plan for managing behavior issues or disruptions.

Design rehearsal opportunities in first week to practice these routines.

Routines, Procedures & Classroom Management

Review curriculum maps, pacing guides, and scope & sequence documents.

Map out first quarter / first month's units and essential standards.

Create or gather first-week lesson plans (icebreakers, introductions, diagnostic tasks).

Develop a "getting to know you / baseline assessment" plan for students.

Identify key resources, textbooks, and digital tools you will use.

Prepare differentiated extension or remediation materials.

Plan formative assessments and check-ins to monitor student understanding.

Align lessons with standards, objectives, and assessments.

Prepare backup / early finisher activities.

Gather or create anchor charts, visuals, and reference materials.

Lesson Planning & Curriculum Prep

Write a welcome letter or email to families introducing yourself and the class.

Prepare a syllabus or class overview for the year (expectations, policies, grading).

Set up communication channels (email, class app, website, newsletter).

Plan a Meet-the-Teacher night or virtual parent meeting.

Prepare permission slips, emergency contact forms, and student info forms.

Create a system to log parent communication (calls, emails, conferences).

Send home class rules, procedures, and expectations to parents.

Share important dates and calendar with families.

Provide guidance to families on how they can support learning at home.

Formulate a plan for handling parent concerns or conflicts professionally.

School Checklists

Back to School Checklist: Supplies, Clothes & Essentials for Every Grade

Back to School Checklist for Parents: Stay Organized This Year

Must-Have Back to School Checklist for Teachers

Complete School Readiness Checklist for Parents and Teachers

Complete Junior Year Preparation Checklist

First Day of School Preparation Checklist