Dominican parents rush for school supplies amid mixed price reports

As the Dominican Republic prepares for the 2026-2027 school year, parents are scrambling to purchase extensive lists of educational materials. Stores and shops are experiencing high customer traffic as families seek uniforms, stationery, and other essentials.

Opinions on the cost of school supplies are divided among shoppers. Some believe prices have remained consistent with the previous year, while others describe them as "sky-high." Wanda Pérez noted the need to visit multiple stores to find affordable options, stating, "In some places they are comfortable and in others they are not; you have to play games to get out of one store and enter another to find savings." Belsy Rosario, however, found prices to be "good," with no significant increase in necessary items. Lucy Pineda, purchasing for her three grandchildren, disagreed, highlighting the high cost of school items this year and agreeing with others that backpacks, lunch bags, and footwear are among the most expensive products.

The budget for returning to school varies widely depending on the quality of items. Backpacks range from 194.95 pesos for small, basic models to 6,519.95 pesos for large fabric versions with wheels. Lunch bags cost between 654.95 and 1,654.95 pesos, with pencil cases priced from 100.00 to 369.95 pesos. Notebooks for single subjects start at 34.95 pesos, while those for 10 subjects can reach 389.95 pesos. A box of 12 pencils costs between 89.95 and 177.95 pesos, and a 250-sheet ream of bond paper is 189.95 pesos, with a 500-sheet ream costing 294.95 pesos.

The Ministry of Education (Minerd) will officially inaugurate the school year on Monday with an event led by President Luis Abinader. The ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. at Escuela Básica Espejo La Milagrosa in Santo Domingo Este. Minerd stated the event will not only welcome students and staff but also reaffirm society's commitment to education. Public schools are set to begin classes on Monday.

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In some places they are comfortable and in others they are not; you have to play games to get out of one store and enter another to find savings.