By Nicole Irving

It is that time of year again, folks. School is in session and it is time to begin the long financial journey of getting these kiddos through another year of school. Beyond the clothes and books, there are many arenas that will be emptying that wallet. So, we wanted to ease you into it as slowly as we could and get you prepared! We have made a list of the common costs associated with the school year and the average amount of money you may spend for each one. Good luck!

ACT exam………………………………………………………………………..   $46–$62.50

Afterschool care expenses: daily, weekly, monthly…………   $25–$500

AP/SAT/ACT review books……………………………………………….   $10–$30 each

Book fairs………………………………………………………………….    $10 and up

Class birthday party supplies……………………………………….    $10–$40

Class holiday party supplies…………………………………………   $10–$25

Class rings …………………………………………………………………   $200–$500

Club participation fees/dues/supplies …………………………….   $5–$75

College applications…………………………………………………………     $30 each and up

Costumes for plays……………………………………………………..   $10–$50

Field trips (possibly three to four per year)…………………….  $10 and up

Grad Bash at Universal Studios Orlando………………………… $75 per ticket

Laptop………………………………………………………………………………  $200–$1500

Letterman jacket………………………………………………………………  $200 and up

Locker adornment…………………………………………………………….  $10

Mid-year school supply replenishment…………………………..  $5–$40

Musical instrument rental (recorders/ukulele)……………….. $7–$30

Prom/Homecoming attire, dinner, transportation ………….. $100–$1,000

PTA dues…………………………………………………………………….  $5 and up

Safety patrol expenses (belt/Washington D.C. trip)……………………………..   $5–$1,000

SAT exam …………………………………………………………………..  $46–$60

SAT II exams……………………………………………………………………..  $26 and up

School carnivals/car washes…………………………………………. $5–$25

School fundraisers……………………………………………………….  $10 and up

School lunches (to buy at school)………………………………………  $3 each, on average

School photo packages…………………………………………………  $20–$200

School spirit attire…………………………………………………………..… $20 and up

School supplies…………………………………………………….…………… $25–$200

School T-shirts…………………………………………………………….  $5 and up

Science fair project materials……………………………………………  $10–$30

Senior class trip ………………………………………………………….  $500 and up

Senior photo packages ………………………………………………..  $5–$500

Sporting events ………………………………………………………………..    $5 and up

Sports equipment …………………………………………………………….    $50 and up

Sports physical……………………………………………………………   $25

Teacher appreciation/end-of-the-year gifts..……………………   $5–$30

Teacher holiday gifts…………………………………………………..   $15­–$50

Valentine’s gifts for friends……………………………………………….. $10–$25

Yearbook…………………………………………………………………….  $20–$100