🎒 Back to School
The shopping season before the new school year — backpacks, tech, and school supplies.
Next date: Monday, August 2, 2027 (recalculated automatically every year)
What is Back to School?
"Back to School" is the shopping season ahead of the new school year — classically backpacks and school supplies, but increasingly laptops and tablets for classroom use too. In the US it's one of the largest annual shopping events after the winter holidays.
About the timing: the actual start of school varies by state and even by district, landing anywhere from early August to early September. The countdown shown here tracks the typical start of back-to-school retail promotions in early August, not the specific first day of school where you live.
What to Watch For With Back to School
- Check your own school district's calendar instead of relying on a single nationwide date — start dates can differ by several weeks.
- Buy backpacks and school-specific gear early in the season, while the full range of styles and sizes is still in stock.
- When comparing laptops and tablets for school, check the school's minimum requirements first instead of grabbing the cheapest model available.
- Watch for state sales-tax holidays around this time — several states waive sales tax on school supplies and clothing for a set weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Back to School
When exactly does school start again?
That varies by state and school district and changes year to year. Your local school district's website has the exact dates.
Why does the page still show a fixed countdown?
It tracks the typical start of back-to-school promotions in retail, not the real first day of school — that distinction is intentional so nothing is mistaken for an official date.
What should I buy first?
Backpacks and anything with sizing or fit first, since popular styles and sizes sell out earliest. Consumables like notebooks and pens can usually be restocked right up until school starts.
Deals for Back to School
No day-of deal has been added for Back to School yet. As retailers announce their promotions (usually shortly before the date above), they'll show up here.