Back to School

Content Guide

• Back to School
• School Calendar
• How Much Does It Cost
• Smart Ways to Save
• Best Back to School Sales
• FAQ

Why Back to School Means So Much More Than Shopping

Back to School isn't just another shopping event — it's an emotional reset for millions of families.

For parents, it can bring a mix of pride and a little nostalgia watching their kids grow another year older; for students, it's a fresh start, a new grade, a new school, sometimes a whole new city.

That emotional weight shows up at the register too: many parents admit they're willing to splurge a little extra on that first-day outfit, a special backpack, or a personalized school supply, simply because the moment feels worth it.

The good news is you don't have to choose between making it special and staying on budget — with the right discounts, you can do both.

The US School Calendar: Key Dates by Age Group

School calendars vary by state and district, but most families can expect a similar rhythm each year.

• Elementary & Middle School (K-8): Classes typically start in the last week of August, with the school year running through late May or mid-June. Major breaks to plan around include Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving week, a two-week Winter Break, and a one-week Spring Break.
• High School: The overall calendar mirrors elementary and middle school, but many high schoolers are back on campus earlier than the official start date for sports practices, band camp, or orientation — so shopping for gear and supplies often needs to happen sooner.
• College & University: Higher ed runs on a different schedule entirely. Move-in and Welcome Week usually fall in mid-to-late August, kicking off the Fall semester, with a shorter Fall Break, a longer Winter Break (often 4-5 weeks), and Spring semester starting in January.

Since exact dates differ from district to district, it's always worth double-checking your local school calendar — but planning your shopping around these general windows will help you catch sales at exactly the right time.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Go Back to School?

Between clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics, the average family spends several hundred dollars getting kids ready for the new school year — and electronics alone, when needed, can be the single biggest expense, even though not every family buys a new device every year.

Switching Schools or Starting College? Expect Extra Costs.

Moving up from middle school to high school, or heading off to college for the first time, comes with a bigger price tag. College students in particular face a whole new category of expenses: a personal laptop, dorm furnishings, textbooks, and transportation, on top of the usual clothing and supplies. Total back-to-college spending per family regularly runs well above what K-12 families spend — which is exactly why it pays to line up discounts before making these bigger purchases.

Smart Ways to Save on Back to School Shopping

• Start early and spread it out. Shopping across June, July, August, and September — instead of cramming everything into one weekend — gives you more chances to catch a sale.
• Time it around the big promotional events. Amazon Prime Day, Target Circle Week, and Walmart deals now kick off as early as June, and have become the unofficial start of the back-to-school shopping season.
• Check for a Tax-Free Weekend. Many US states offer a sales-tax holiday in August on clothing, shoes, and school supplies — a simple way to save without needing a coupon at all.
• Compare before you buy. Prices for the same item can vary a lot between mass merchants, department stores, and online retailers, so a quick comparison can go a long way.
• Never check out without looking for a code. Most online shoppers now search for a promo code before completing a purchase — make it a habit, since it only takes a minute.
• Reuse what still works. Not every backpack, binder, or calculator needs replacing every year — save your budget for what actually needs to be new.
• Sign up for alerts. New back-to-school offers are added constantly — get notified the moment a new Back to School coupons goes live so you never miss the best one.

What to Save On With the Best Back to School Sales

Back to School clothes sales

The single most common back-to-school purchase, and also the easiest place to find real savings — a new outfit or a fresh pair of sneakers is often the first thing on the list. Brands like adidas, Nike, Foot Locker, PUMA, New Balance, Skechers, Old Navy, and JCPenney regularly run back-to-school promotions worth watching.

Back to School Supplies & Stationery

The smallest individual purchases, but they add up fast once you're buying for more than one kid.

• Target Back to School sale and Walmart Back to School sale — the go-to stops for the basics, from crayons to backpacks
• Amazon Back to School deals — worth checking for bulk packs and same-day delivery when you're shopping last minute
• Minted and Personalization Mall — for something a bit more personal, like labeled notebooks or custom backpacks

Electronics & Tech

Usually where the real money goes, even though most families aren't replacing a laptop every single year.

• Apple Back to School promo — one of the most anticipated deals of the season, typically bundling a discount or gift card with a new Mac or iPad for students
• Dell, ASUS, Samsung, and Logitech — worth comparing for Back to School computer deals
• Verizon Back to School deals — check if a new phone, tablet, or family plan upgrade is on the list; carriers often roll out their best device and plan offers alongside the school-supply sales

Back to School Essentials for Dorm & Home

For anyone heading off to college for the first time — outfitting a dorm room or first apartment is its own project. Casper, Purple, and Ashley Furniture are good starting points for a new mattress, bedding, and basic furniture without overspending.

Outdoor & Sports Gear

Rounds things out for kids heading into fall sports or colder campuses.

• Dick's Back to School sale — a strong pick for cleats, team gear, and athletic wear
• Academy Sports + Outdoors, Cabela's, and Columbia — seasonal deals that overlap nicely with the back-to-school window.

You'll find active Back to School offers from all of these brands right above — just filter by category or store to jump straight to what you need.

When Do Back to School Sales Start (and End)?

The back-to-school sales season has stretched out over the past few years — it's no longer just an August rush. Expect the first wave of deals as early as mid-June, tied to events like Amazon Prime Day, Target Circle Week, and WayDay Deals.

The bulk of back-to-school promotions run through July and August, with plenty of last-chance and clearance deals still popping up into early September as the school year gets underway.

Frequently Asked Questions about Back to School sales

• When does Back to School shopping start?

The first Back to School shopping deals typically appear in mid-June, with the season running strong through August and into early September.

• What is a Tax-Free Weekend, and which states offer one?

It's a limited-time sales-tax holiday, usually in August, that lets you buy clothing, shoes, and school supplies without paying sales tax. Several US states offer one each year — check your state's official calendar for exact dates.

• How do I find the best Back to School discounts?

Check this page regularly for updated codes and offers, filter by the store or category you need, and always apply a code at checkout before you pay.

• Should I buy college electronics before or during the Back to School Sale?

It's almost always worth waiting for a sale — Back to School laptop deals are among the deepest of the year, so buying a laptop or accessories during a promotional event can mean significant savings.