With Tennessee’s annual Tax-Free Weekend scheduled for July 26–28, families across the state are preparing for back-to-school purchases. But depending on their school district, parents may find themselves responsible for long supply lists, or on the other hand, face no costs at all.¶
While some districts are continuing efforts to provide school supplies for students, others are maintaining policies that require families to purchase materials themselves.¶
Most Districts Continue to Require Supply Purchases¶
In many Tennessee school districts, including those in Knox, Wilson, Robertson, and Rutherford counties, families are expected to buy required supplies such as notebooks, tissues, disinfecting wipes, and other classroom materials. These lists are often posted publicly by schools and include grade-specific requirements.¶
In these districts, local parent-teacher organizations, nonprofits, and Family Resource Centers often step in to provide additional support to students in need. However, the official responsibility for basic school supplies remains with families.¶
Some Districts Allocate Funds for Supplies¶
A small number of districts have adopted policies aimed at reducing or eliminating supply costs for families.¶
In Anderson County, the Board of Education voted in 2022 to allocate $40 per student to schools for the purchase of classroom supplies. The initiative was designed to minimize the out-of-pocket burden on families while ensuring students have access to needed materials.¶
In Davidson County, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) is offering “Kinderbox” kits to all incoming kindergarteners. The boxes, distributed prior to the start of school, include items such as crayons, glue sticks, pencils, and scissors. According to MNPS, the goal is to support students as they transition into school.¶
Sumner County Discontinues Supply Program¶
In Sumner County, a previously established program that provided free school supplies to all K–8 students was discontinued ahead of the 2025–26 school year. The district had offered supplies for the past two years but cited budget considerations in ending the program. Officials confirmed the change earlier this summer.¶
Tax-Free Weekend Details¶
Tennessee’s annual Sales Tax Holiday begins Friday, July 26, at 12:01 a.m. and runs through Sunday, July 28, at 11:59 p.m. During this time, consumers can purchase approved school supplies, clothing, and electronics without paying state and local sales tax.¶
Tax-exempt items include:¶
- School supplies priced at $100 or less per item
- Clothing priced at $100 or less per item
- Computers and laptops priced at $1,500 or less
The Tax-Free Weekend applies to both in-store and online purchases and is intended to provide financial relief for families during the back-to-school season.¶
Community Resources Available¶
In addition to the state’s sales tax holiday, several local organizations and nonprofits host school supply drives across Tennessee. Programs such as United Way’s Stuff the Bus, the PENCIL Foundation in Nashville, and Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) distribute backpacks and school items to eligible families each year.¶
Many Family Resource Centers affiliated with public school districts also help connect families to supply support ahead of the school year.¶
