Believe it or not, summer is rapidly coming to a close and back-to-school is just around the corner. Whether you’re getting ready for back-to-school for the first time or you’ve got years of experience getting reluctant kids ready for their first day, there’s no denying that planning is key. And for many Richmond area families, back-to-school shopping and planning is already underway. To help you with your planning, we’ve put together an updated back-to-school guide for the Greater Richmond area. Below, you’ll find useful links for everything from local school calendars and supply lists to back-to-school shopping deals and school supply drives.
And of course, our guide wouldn’t be complete without reminding you that from August 2 until August 4, 2019, sales tax will not be charged on qualifying school supplies and clothing, thanks to the Virginia Sales Tax Holiday. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Taxation website or see the complete list of qualifying items here!
To get your back-to-school planning underway, scroll through the lists below, or use these handy quicklinks:
School Calendars
School Supply Lists
School Supply Deals
Back-to-School Clothing Sales and Coupons
School Supply Drives
School Calendars for 2019 – 2020
Use the links below to find 2019- 2020 school calendars. But be sure to check with your local school to confirm additional dates such as orientation nights, back-to-school nights, and other special events.
Hanover County
Richmond City
School Supply Lists
The following links provide general school supply lists by grade. However, your child’s classroom may request additional supplies so be sure to check with your child’s teacher at the start of school.
Chesterfield County:
Chesterfield County Public Schools (Elementary and Middle School)
Goochland County:
Goochland County Public Schools (PreK – 8)
Hanover County:
To access school supply lists, CLICK HERE, then select your elementary or middle school to go directly to their site. Most school supply lists can be located under the “Parents” tab at the top of the school’s homepage.
Henrico County:
To access school supply lists, click on one of the links below, then select your elementary or middle school to go directly to their site.
Henrico County Public Schools (Elementary)
Henrico County Public Schools (Middle)
Richmond City:
To find school-specific lists, find your school’s website at www.rvaschools.net using the “Our Schools” drop-down menu near the top of your screen.
Other List Finders:
For additional help finding school supply lists, stores like Target and WalMart offer “list finder” programs that allow you to enter your school or teacher’s name and find the list on their site automatically. Be sure to check the links below if you will be doing your shopping at one of these stores. Please note that some school lists may not yet be loaded on the store’s site, so be sure to check back often for updates if your list is not available.
School Supply Deals
During the back-to-school season, many major retailers are eager to help you stock up on supplies with special savings and sales events. Be sure to check the following locations for specials and deals.
Office Depot / OfficeMax
Staples
Walgreens (includes coupons and weekly deals on school supplies, as well as information about back-to-school immunizations available in-store)
For more information on sales and back-to-school specials, visit sites like Hip2Save and the Krazy Koupon Lady for updated offers, specials, and ongoing deals!
Back-to-School Clothing Sales and Coupons
Most retailers, both local and online, offer back-to-school specials this time of year, so be sure to check with your favorite shops and sites if they’re not listed here. But, in the meantime, the following retailers will give you a great start on your back-to-school shopping. Most of the sites we have listed offer both in-store and online specials and some also provide school uniform options.
Coupons.com (find back-to-school deals for a wide variety of retailers)
Dick’s Sporting Goods
JCPenney
School Supply Drives
As you shop for school supplies in the coming weeks, consider picking up some extra items for those in need. Not only will you have the chance to ensure that all children in the Richmond area head back to school with the supplies they need, but your children can participate and discover the joy of giving for themselves. The following organizations will be accepting school supplies from now until the dates indicated below.
Now – Mid-August: Thrive Church School Supply Drive. Contact the church directly to find out how you can donate.
**All supplies will be given away at Thrive Church’s annual School Supply Giveaway on August 25, 2019, from 8:30am – 12:30pm. Stop by either of their Richmond or Chesterfield locations to receive your free supplies! All school-age children are eligible.
August 3: Third Annual Back to School Expo and Stuff the Truck Supply Drive held at Chesterfield Towne Center from 10am – 4pm.
August 2-4; August 17-18: Prep for Success School Supply Drives held from 12-7pm at Walmart at 2410 Sheila Ln, Richmond, VA, 23225
**All supplies will be distributed on August 24, 2019, at the Radio One Richmond Prep For Success Back To School Block Party at the Trinity Family Life Center.
August 14: Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive held from 3-8pm at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery at 2408-2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23220
Ongoing and Year-Round Donation Programs:
Operation Homefront’s Back-to-School Brigade
YMCA of Greater Richmond Bright Beginnings Program
If you know of any back-to-school specials, events, or community resources that we haven’t mentioned here, please let us know! We will do our best to keep this list updated, so drop us a line at [email protected] anytime!
