Back to school can be an exciting time for kids, as they put on new clothes, carry new backpacks, and sport new haircuts. And I never blame a parent for feeling a little relieved that summer is drawing to an end, as all kids can be a handful when you have them 24/7. However, back-to-school costs can rack up quickly. How expensive will it be in Lubbock?

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How Much Are Lubbock ISD School Supply Lists This Year?

School supply lists can be rough. I remember purchasing Clorax wipes, tissues, and dry-erase markers for a small army one year, and couldn't help but feel that I was covering way more than my child's fair share. I'm sure many parents relate. Lubbock ISD has published the school supply lists from Elementary and Middle School, so I took a peek to see how much they are asking for this year.

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A Look At Elementary School

I chose Waters (because I went there), and I picked 3rd grade because that seems like a good "average" for a school supply list. Here is the list with an estimated total, if I were to buy everything on Amazon:

ItemEstimated Amazon Price
2" 3-ring binder$6.99
4 composition books$5.00
24-count crayons$2.00
Disinfecting wipes$4.00
Earbuds$8.00
Glue bottle$1.50
12 glue sticks$6.00
2 yellow highlighters$2.00
Colored pencils ("map colors")$3.50
Washable markers$4.00
2 dry-erase markers$3.00
Wide-ruled notebook paper$4.00
48 #2 pencils$7.00
Pink eraser$2.00
Student planner$8.00
School box or zipper pouch$5.00
4 folders with brads$5.00
Pointed scissors$4.00
Spiral notebook$2.00
3 boxes of tissues$9.00
Estimated Total≈ $98.99

A hundred bucks is not too bad, until you consider that this list does not include a backpack, new clothes, haircuts, athletic supplies/ costs, food, and more. Then you are looking at a $500- $1000 range. Shopping sales and special deals can help you curb some of the cost, but it's still brutal.

Middle School Costs In Lubbock

For Middle School, I chose Cavazos (again, where I went) and 7th grade. Here's that list:

ItemEstimated Amazon Price
Hand sanitizer (8 oz or larger)$4.00
Box of colored pencils ("map colors")$3.50
2 boxes of Kleenex$6.00
4 composition notebooks$5.00
4 folders with pockets & brads$5.00
2 glue sticks$2.00
Handheld pencil sharpener$3.00
2 highlighters$2.00
4 packs wide-ruled notebook paper$16.00
Scissors$4.00
Pencil pouch$5.00
24 #2 pencils$4.50
Ruler$2.00
Estimated Total≈ $62.00

While you may be getting a break on middle school supplies, you know you'll pay more for clothes, etc.

What To Do If You Can't Afford Supplies

Look for back-to-school supply events like the Citywide Back-2 School Bash on August 1st. There will likely be others too. For a free haircut (which will certainly help you cut back on these costs) you can attend Rebellion Salon's Free Kid's Cut Event on August 9th (more information here). Additionally, you can reach out to nonprofit groups like Hub City Outreach Center, Communities In Schools of the South Plains, or talk directly with your child's school about bridging this gap. There is no shame in getting help for your child.

Summer Activities That Land Lubbock Kids In The ER

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Gallery Credit: Renee Raven

 

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