First Grade: How Much Does It Really Cost to Send a Child to School?

The new backpack is waiting by the door, but before the child enters school for the first time, parents face a significant shopping list. A backpack, pencil case, notebooks, writing utensils, and textbooks add up to a substantial amount. How much does it really cost to prepare a child for first grade?

Starting with the backpack and pencil case

The most expensive item on the list is usually the backpack. The average price for a backpack is about 250 NIS, and the pencil case adds another 50 NIS. Together, these first two items cost an average of about 300 NIS.

From there, the list continues with daily equipment. A pack of three notebooks costs about 25 NIS, and a pack of pens costs about 25 NIS. A binder adds about 12 NIS, while an eraser, sharpener, and correction fluid cost about 20 NIS combined.

Small expenses add up

Even items that seem cheap on their own can increase the bill. Markers, rulers, and other writing equipment can add another 45 NIS. A calculator costs around 50 NIS, so even the supplementary equipment becomes a significant part of the basket.

And then come the textbooks. Depending on the required books, the cost can reach up to 300 NIS. In such a case, the basket of equipment and books reaches about 777 NIS, even before adding clothes, sneakers, a lunch bag, or additional school expenses. It is important to remember: this is an expense for one child only.

Ultimately, the excitement of entering first grade comes along with a significant bill. A family choosing basic equipment may start with a few hundred shekels, but the small additions add up quickly. The backpack may symbolize a new beginning, but behind it hides an entire shopping basket.