Stocking up for the new school year

What do you pay for school supplies? For how many kids?

It usually turns out to be about $50 per kid per year. I’ve got seven kids in school this year, so it’s not cheap!

–Yechiel and Shifra Jacobson

Altogether, it’s probably $300 to $400 for four school age kids.

–Boruch and Shira Berger

On average, it comes out to around $50 per child.

–Heshy and Chanie Michaels

Last year it cost under $200 for three kids, but I think I didn’t have to buy any new backpacks, which is a huge expense. I’m expecting it to be at least $200 this year, for four kids. That also includes getting some supplies for the house and some knick-knacks for the younger kids so they don’t feel left out.

–Ahuva Cohen

It’s usually about $100 to $200 total… But then on top of that, there’s uniforms and shoes, seforim, books, etc.

–Baily W.

I remember when I had six or seven kids going to school at once, and how completely overwhelming and expensive this was. I was so excited one year because I had an unexpected $1,000 — and then really devastated a week later when I had to spend it all on school supplies. With only two kids in elementary school, it’s much less overwhelming now. Cost is about $200 total.

–Miriam Y.

My best guess would be about $20 per kid, not including their backpacks. My kids’ teachers also sometimes offer to purchase supplies if you send in the money in advance, which is always so amazingly appreciated.

–Brachi Silver

I’m shopping for three school kids. It’s not too bad, maybe $30 each. I try to shop during the year and stock up on things we always need, like glue sticks.

–Rachel

This year I had to shop for six children. And it costs A LOT! Or at least it feels that way… 

–Leah Lowy

School supplies is easily $500 minimum for my four kids, and then there’s other things they need for opening day too, like new shoes, uniforms, etc.

–Chaim Stein