As August winds down and September approaches, Calgary parents are facing a budget squeeze that's becoming all too familiar: the back-to-school spending spike.
For families like that of Leah Long, who has three daughters entering grades four, seven, and 10, the annual ritual of purchasing school supplies, clothing, and necessities has become a delicate financial balancing act.
"Every year it's more," Long said, describing how her household juggles competing priorities—from rising grocery bills to the cost of educational materials—while trying to set aside funds for school preparation.
"We'll wait for sales," she explained. "At the same time, not going so crazy on trips and adventures so that we have that little extra nest egg to handle school."
National Trend Hits Home in Calgary
Long's experience reflects a broader Canadian reality. An April survey conducted by the Retail Council of Canada and market research firm Caddle found that 91 per cent of surveyed parents felt back-to-school items have become more expensive—up from 87 per cent the previous year.
The financial hit is substantial. According to the survey of 1,398 parents, average household spending ranges from $600 to $750 per child when electronics are factored in, making back-to-school shopping one of the year's most significant retail events.
For families tracking Calgary's cost of living pressures, these expenses arrive on top of already strained household budgets. Tools like Calgary Prices help residents monitor local inflation trends, from grocery expenses to education-related costs.
Charities Fill the Gap as Demand Surges
Recognizing the growing need, EducationMatters—the charitable partner of the Calgary Board of Education—is expanding its support this year. The organization has identified 2,000 students across 75 CBE schools and the Welcome Centre for newcomer students who require assistance with school supplies.
"There's so many other costs that families are dealing with, so this is just one small way that we can help families," said Stephanie Washbrook, executive director of EducationMatters.
The demand has intensified over the past two years. Beyond backpack-filling events, the organization now provides clothing, grocery gift cards, and transit passes to students throughout the school year—addressing the reality that educational expenses don't end when September begins.
"There's so many other costs that families are dealing with, so this is just one small way that we can help families." — Stephanie Washbrook, EducationMatters
A Growing Pressure on Newcomer Families
The strain is particularly acute for recent immigrants. Selam Haile, who relocated from Eritrea to Canada three years ago, has witnessed Calgary's rising price pressures firsthand as she prepares her own children for school.
For families navigating a new country while managing inflation-driven expenses, the back-to-school season represents more than just an inconvenience—it's a significant financial challenge that can affect their ability to provide their children with necessary educational resources.
As Calgary parents strategize savings tactics and charities mobilize to help, the 2026 back-to-school season underscores a persistent reality: education costs are climbing faster than many household budgets can keep pace.
This story originally appeared on CBC Calgary.