What school supplies do kids need for Salem-Keizer schools in 2026–27?

Salem-Keizer Public Schools provides a standard school supply list for kindergarten through fifth grade and a recommended math supply list for grades 6–12. However, individual schools and teachers may ask for different or additional supplies, so always check your child's school before doing all of your shopping.

I've broken everything down below by age—from preschool all the way through high school—so you can hopefully make back-to-school shopping a little easier.

You can also go directly to the district's 2026–27 Back-to-School page for updated information.

The district specifically notes that some elementary and middle schools have already posted their own supply lists on their school websites or sent them through ParentSquare.

Before You Start Shopping

One thing I would not recommend is buying a giant cart full of supplies before checking your child's individual school.

Salem-Keizer's districtwide list is meant to represent the most commonly requested supplies, but schools can have their own variations. Middle and high school supplies especially can change depending on classes and teachers.

You can use the Salem-Keizer School Directory to find your child's school and look for its specific supply list.

Also worth knowing: the district says items such as wipes and glue must be purchased by district staff, so don't automatically buy classroom cleaning supplies unless your school specifically gives you updated instructions.

Preschool School Supply List

Salem-Keizer Public Schools offers several preschool programs, but the district's standard supply document does not provide one universal preschool supply list. Preschool families should check directly with their specific program because needs can vary.

That said, here is a good starter checklist to have ready while you wait for your preschool's instructions:

• 🎒 Small backpack your child can carry
• 👕 Complete change of clothes
• 🧦 Extra socks and underwear
• 💧 Reusable water bottle labeled with your child's name
• 🍎 Lunchbox or snack container, if required by the program
• 🧥 Weather-appropriate coat or rain jacket
• 👟 Comfortable closed-toe shoes
• 🏷️ Name labels for clothing, bottles and personal belongings
• 🛏️ Nap or rest-time supplies only if your preschool requests them

I would wait on crayons, glue, markers, wipes and other classroom supplies until your preschool sends its specific list.

Families interested in district preschool programs can also visit the Salem-Keizer Preschool page.

Kindergarten School Supply List

Kindergarten is one of the easiest lists this year.

According to Salem-Keizer's standard supply list, kindergarten students commonly need:

Kindergarten Checklist

• ☐ 1 box of 16 crayons
• ☐ 1 glue stick
• ☐ 1 box of facial tissues
• ☐ 2 #2 pencils
• ☐ Backpack or book bag recommended

That's it!

Before buying anything extra, check your elementary school's own list because some kindergarten teachers may have different preferences.

If you have a child starting kindergarten for the first time, you can also visit the district's Kindergarten Information page. Children who are five years old on or before September 10 are eligible to register for kindergarten in Salem-Keizer.

Elementary School Supplies: Grades 1–2

For first- and second-grade students, Salem-Keizer's standard list includes:

Grades 1–2 Checklist

• ☐ 1 box of 16 crayons
• ☐ 6 #2 pencils
• ☐ 2 pink pearl erasers
• ☐ 1 box of facial tissues
• ☐ 1 glue stick
• ☐ 1 pair of student scissors
• ☐ Backpack or book bag recommended

This is another grade range where I wouldn't go crazy buying extras until you hear directly from the teacher.

Elementary School Supplies: Grades 3–5

By third grade, the list gets a little longer.

Salem-Keizer recommends the following standard supplies for grades three through five:

Grades 3–5 Checklist

• ☐ 1 box of 24 or 48 crayons
• ☐ 6 #2 pencils
• ☐ 2 pink pearl erasers
• ☐ 2 packages of wide-ruled notebook filler paper
• ☐ 1 box of facial tissues
• ☐ 1 pair of student scissors
• ☐ 1 12-inch/30-centimeter ruler
• ☐ 2 good-quality blue or black ballpoint pens
• ☐ Backpack or book bag recommended

Fifth Grade Only

Most schools also recommend:

• ☐ 1 loose-leaf three-ring notebook/binder

Again, check the individual elementary school's list because some schools request different quantities or supplies.

Middle School Supply List: Grades 6–8

Middle school is where things start to change.

Salem-Keizer's districtwide supply document does not give families one complete supply list covering every middle school subject.

Instead, the district provides a recommended math supply list for grades 6–12 and tells families to check directly with their school for supplies needed in other classes.

Middle School Starter Checklist

For math, the district recommends:

• ☐ 1 1½-inch three-ring binder
• ☐ 1 pad of graph paper — centimeter or ¼-inch
• ☐ 1 package of notebook paper
• ☐ 1 package of pencils
• ☐ 1 pencil pouch
• ☐ 1 set of thin markers
• ☐ 1 set of colored pencils
• ☐ 1 ruler with standard and metric measurements
• ☐ 1 glue stick
• ☐ 1 package of AAA batteries
• ☐ 1 highlighter
• ☐ 1 pair of scissors

Calculator

The district lists a scientific calculator as optional but strongly suggested and specifically references the TI-30Xa.

For English, science, social studies and electives, I would wait to hear from the school or teachers before purchasing a bunch of specialized binders or notebooks.

High School Supply List: Grades 9–12

High school is similar to middle school because schedules can vary so much from one student to another.

A freshman taking introductory classes may need very different supplies than a junior or senior taking chemistry, advanced math, art, CTE classes or AP courses.

For that reason, Salem-Keizer again provides its grades 6–12 math recommendations but advises families to check with the school for supplies needed in other subject areas.

High School Starter Checklist

The district's recommended math supplies include:

• ☐ 1 1½-inch three-ring binder
• ☐ Graph paper
• ☐ Notebook paper
• ☐ Pencils
• ☐ Pencil pouch
• ☐ Thin markers
• ☐ Colored pencils
• ☐ Standard/metric ruler
• ☐ Glue stick
• ☐ AAA batteries
• ☐ Highlighter
• ☐ Scissors
• ☐ Scientific calculator — TI-30Xa recommended

For high school, I would especially recommend waiting until students receive their class-specific information before buying multiple binders, notebooks or specialty supplies.

Quick School Supply Shopping Links

If you're ready to start shopping, these links make it easier to see examples and compare what you need.

Shop School Supplies by Grade at Walmart

Shop Walmart's Back-to-School Supplies

See a K–5 School Supply Kit Example at Target

And most importantly:

View Salem-Keizer's Official 2026–27 Back-to-School Information

I would use the retailer links for convenience, but use your child's actual school list as the final authority. The district says schools may request different quantities or variations.

Need Help Paying for School Supplies in Salem?

This is something I definitely wanted to include because back-to-school shopping can add up quickly, especially when you're buying for more than one child.

There is a FREE Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 15, 2026, through the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties and SELCO Community Credit Union.

Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

Saturday, August 15, 2026
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Knudson Boys & Girls Club Branch
1395 Summer St. NE
Salem, OR 97301

The event is free for K–12 students and includes backpacks filled with school supplies, water bottles, toothbrush kits and family resource kits.

Supplies are available while supplies last, it is walk-up only, and the child must be present. Families can receive one backpack per student.

Get details about the free Salem backpack giveaway

Salem-Keizer's McKinney-Vento program can also help eligible students experiencing housing instability with things including transportation and school supplies.

When Does School Start in Salem-Keizer in 2026?

If you're doing your shopping now, here are a few important dates to put on the calendar.

Grades 6 and 9

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Grades 1–5, 7–8 and 10–12

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Kindergarten

Monday, September 14: Transition day for last names A–L

Tuesday, September 15: Transition day for last names M–Z

Wednesday, September 16: First day for all kindergarten students

Salem-Keizer also has a one-hour late start every Wednesday.

Moving to Salem or Keizer With School-Age Kids?

Back-to-school season is also one of the busiest times of year for families trying to get settled into a new home.

If you're moving locally or relocating to the Salem-Keizer area, you may also want to read:

Should You Buy a Home Before School Starts in Salem-Keizer? — helpful if you're trying to coordinate a move around the school calendar.

Moving to Salem, Oregon? Here's What You Should Know Before You Do — a bigger-picture guide for families relocating to the area.

Best Neighborhoods in Keizer, Oregon — a look at different areas of Keizer and what it's like to live there.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salem-Keizer School Supplies

Does Salem-Keizer have one school supply list for every school?

The district has a standard recommended list, but individual schools may request additional items or different variations. Some schools have already published their own 2026–27 lists online or through ParentSquare.

Where can I find my child's exact school supply list?

Start with the Salem-Keizer School Directory, find your child's school and check its website. Families should also watch ParentSquare for information sent directly by the school or teacher.

Does Salem-Keizer have a preschool supply list?

There isn't one universal preschool list included in the district's standard K–12 school-supply document, so preschool families should check with their individual program.

What supplies do Salem-Keizer kindergarteners need?

The district's standard kindergarten list includes crayons, a glue stick, facial tissues, two #2 pencils and a recommended backpack or book bag.

Do middle and high school students need a calculator?

Salem-Keizer's standard grades 6–12 math list says a scientific calculator is optional but strongly suggested, with a TI-30Xa specifically recommended.

Should I buy everything before the first day of school?

I wouldn't. Start with the basics and then check your individual school and teacher lists, particularly for middle and high school students.

One Less Thing to Stress About This School Year

Back-to-school season can feel like a lot—school supplies, new schedules, sports, activities and figuring out where everyone needs to be.

Hopefully having everything broken down in one place makes the school-supply part a little easier.

And if you're new to Salem or Keizer, welcome! This site is all about helping you learn more about our community—from local events and things to do with kids to neighborhoods, schools and the local real estate market.

Reach out anytime to see if I might be a good fit for you! You can check out my reviews or schedule a time to talk—no pressure, just information.

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