Students to continue receiving free school supplies

Island students from kindergarten to Grade 9 in the public education system will again receive free essential school supplies for the 2026-27 school year to help families with back-to-school costs. 

The province is providing $1 million to education authorities to purchase and distribute school supplies for more than 16,500 students across the public school system. Supplies include essential classroom materials such as pencils, pens, binders, scribblers, folders, paper, and art supplies. 

“Preparing for a new school year is an exciting time for families, but we know the cost of getting ready for September can add up quickly. We are continuing to provide school supplies at no cost to elementary and junior high students to help ease some of those expenses for families while ensuring students have what they need to start the year ready to learn.” 
- Minister of Finance and Affordability Jill Burridge

Since the program began in 2023, thousands of Island students have benefited from access to essential classroom materials, helping make back to school more affordable for families.

Parents and guardians are reminded that students will still need to bring their own indoor shoes, backpacks, lunch bags, water bottles and, where applicable, calculators and headphones. 

Learn more about the Free School Supplies initiative. 

Media Contact:
Andrew Sprague
Department of Education and Early Years
asgsprague@gov.pe.ca