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Your NYC Back-to-School Prep Guide: Where to Get School Supplies, Tutoring Help & More

Updated: 4 days ago

Whether you're a NYC parent getting ready for your child's very first day of school or you're a seasoned pro at back-to-school prep, August can feel like a sprint. Between juggling work, summer activities, and last-minute to-dos, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide brings together everything NYC families need to get ready for the 2025–2026 school year, while supporting local businesses and setting your child up for success.


smiling kids in front of a school bus

NYC Public School Start Dates & Calendar


NYC public schools begin on Thursday, September 4, 2025. You can find the full DOE calendar here: NYC DOE 2025–2026 Calendar.


Mark your calendars for:

  • First Day of School: September 4

  • Parent-Teacher Conferences:

    • Elementary: September 17

    • Middle: September 18

    • High School: September 25

  • Rosh Hashanah: Schools Closed September 23–24


Use the calendar to plan vacations, childcare, and enrichment activities early.


Budget-Friendly Back-to-School Supplies: Where to Shop in NYC


Let’s be honest, back-to-school supplies in NYC can add up fast. But there are plenty of budget-friendly options across the city and online to help you stick to your list (and your budget).


Top Picks for Deals:

  • Target Back-to-School Sale – Affordable, wide selection, and great for one-stop shopping.

  • Five Below – An affordable spot for cute and functional supplies like notebooks, pencil cases, and locker decorations.

  • Walmart & Staples – Keep an eye out for weekly sales and coupons.

  • Amazon – Perfect if you're short on time or prefer to shop from home. Use their "Back to School" section to sort by grade level.


Pro Tip: Try splitting your shopping—grab the basics at a big-box store, then let your child pick 1-2 fun, unique items from a local NYC shop to make it feel special.


Want Something Unique? Support NYC’s Local School Supply Shops


If you're looking for something a little more personalized or community-focused, these local shops have you covered:


Manhattan:

  • Goods for the Study – Locations in the West Village, Nolita, and the Upper West Side (beautiful pens, notebooks, and desk supplies)

  • Kinokuniya – Japanese stationery, books, and gifts

  • Locavore – Variety Store – sustainable, locally made goods—great for stationary and accessories

  • Essex Card Shop – A long-time East Village favorite for notebooks, binders, pens, and more.

  • Niconeco Zakkaya – A cat-themed shop with pens, stickers, postcards, stamps, notebooks, and journals. One of my favorites!


Niconeco Zakkaya Store in the East Village, NYC
Niconeco Zakkaya - Source

Brooklyn:


Bronx:


Queens:


Personalized Academic Support


I’m Taylor, a certified NYC reading specialist and founder of TAS Literacy. I offer 1:1 literacy tutoring for students in grades PreK–8, specializing in phonics, reading comprehension, and writing skills. My sessions are structured, engaging, and tailored to meet your child’s exact needs.



Looking for free academic support in NYC? Here are some options:

  • NYC Public Library Homework Help – Free drop-in help from tutors for students in grades K–12.

  • Dial-A-Teacher – Run by the UFT, this free service lets students call and get help with homework from licensed NYC teachers.

  • Go Project – Year-round academic support for struggling NYC students.


Ask your school about intervention programs or after-school academic support!


Free Resources for NYC Parents


Editable Daily Checklist: Add structure to your child’s summer or back-to-school routine with this customizable checklist. You can tailor it to your family’s schedule, including things like reading time, writing prompts, meals, chores, and more.


Writing Prompts: Keep writing stamina up with age-appropriate prompts for K–5. Great for morning routines or quiet time.



NYC Kids’ Bookstore Guide: My popular post on independent bookstores across the city for readers of all ages.


You’ve Got This 💙


Back-to-school doesn’t have to feel like a scramble. With a little planning, a few great resources, and the right support system, your child can step into the new school year feeling confident, prepared, and excited to learn.


If you have any questions or want help building your child’s literacy skills, reach out. I’m here to support you!



Founder of TAS Literacy.







Happy reading!


Taylor Sofranko-Sutherland

Founder, TAS Literacy





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