Sioux Falls Families Brace For Back-to-school Spending Surge

It seems like it was just days ago that we were talking about the beginning of summer and all the fantastic activities to come here in Sioux Falls. But summer is winding down, and fall is right around the corner and that means back-to-school time too.

Families are preparing for the back-to-school season—and with it, rising costs. From school supplies and new clothes to technology and activity fees, the expenses can quickly add up.

Get our free mobile app

READ MORE: Check out the new murals on the famous Corn Palace.

According to a recent survey from Deloitte, back-to-school spending for K-12 will remain steady at a collective $30.9 billion, or about $570 per child to get them ready for the classroom.

Items like backpacks, notebooks, pens, and calculators are just the beginning. Many schools now require tablets or laptops, plus headphones, which adds a major cost for families who don’t already have the right devices.

Clothing and shoes are also high on the list, especially as kids grow out of last year’s sizes. In fact, 57% of parents in the Deloitte survey said that even though they are working with tight budgets, "they could be enticed into getting a new first-day-of-school outfit."

READ MORE: Sioux Falls residents get extra time for debris drop-off.

Then there are added fees for extracurricular activities, sports, and lunch programs—costs that can sneak up on families trying to stick to a budget. The Deloitte report indicated that extracurricular expenses could be around $532 per student. Which, believe it or not, is down a little bit from 2024.

To manage these expenses, a lot of families look for sales, shop at discount stores, or reuse items from previous years when possible. (Can you say hand-me-downs?)

Community programs and school supply drives also offer support for those in need.

Back-to-school season is an exciting time for students, but for many families, it’s also a financial challenge that means careful planning and smart spending.