There’s something about the back-to-school season that feels almost like a reset button. We know planning can become a bit chaotic, but worry not, because TPH is here to help you navigate through it. Whether you’re a parent or student prepping for the new school year or an academic working in a school looking to connect with your community, we’re here to support you in this hectic season.
For Education-Focused Organizations: Preparing for the New School Year with Print That Works
If you’re part of the education sector and work in a school, tutoring center, daycare, or educational nonprofit, you know that the back-to-school season is one of the most critical times of the year. It’s not just about getting students in the door; it’s about setting the tone for the months ahead, communicating clearly with families, and ensuring your team is equipped to deliver a great experience. At TPH, we work closely with education professionals across Canada, and we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful print materials can make a real difference. Here’s what we recommend as you prepare for the new school year:
1. Start Early to Stay Ahead
By early July, many schools and learning centers are already deep into planning mode. This is the ideal time to review what needs updating, whether it’s your curriculum guides, enrollment forms, or signage, and get ahead of the last-minute rush. Some of the most useful print pieces we see this time of year include:
- Course booklets and program overviews for parents and students
- Orientation kits with welcome letters, schedules, and maps
- Flyers for open houses, after-school programs, or extracurriculars
- Banners and posters to refresh your space and communicate key messages
- Apparel re-stock to hype up the academic spirit
Having these materials ready early helps reduce stress and ensures a smoother start for everyone involved.
2. Use Print to Strengthen Communication
Clear, consistent communication is essential, especially when you’re dealing with multiple age groups, languages, or learning needs. Print can help reinforce important information in a way that’s accessible and easy to reference. Here a few things to consider:
- Custom folders for take-home materials and permission slips
- Calendars and planners to help students, staff and families stay organized
- Branded signage for classrooms, libraries, and common areas
- Forms and worksheets that are easy to fill out and return
3. Create a Cohesive, Professional Look That Reflects Your Values
Your printed materials are often the first impression families, students, and staff have of your institution. A well-designed and consistent visual identity not only builds trust but also reinforces your values and mission. Here’s how to approach it with both creativity and efficiency:
- Build reusable templates: Designing a strong set of templates for your most-used materials, like newsletters, flyers, or orientation kits, these can be saved year after year. With a solid foundation in place, you can make small updates (like dates, themes, or staff changes) without starting from scratch.
- Stick to a consistent colour palette and typography: Using your school’s colours and fonts across all materials helps create a unified, professional look. It also makes it easier to expand your materials over time while maintaining brand integrity.
- Use high-resolution, authentic imagery: Showcase real moments from your classrooms, events, or community. High-quality visuals not only elevate your materials but also help tell your story in a way that feels genuine and relatable.
- Design with your values in mind: If your institution prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, or innovation, let that come through in your design choices. That might mean using recycled paper, incorporating multilingual content, or choosing imagery that reflects the diversity of your community.
The goal is to help you communicate clearly, look polished, and stay true to who you are, all without reinventing the wheel every September! Now let’s take a dive into the scope of families preparing for back-to-school season.
For Parents and Students Prepping for Back-to-School Shopping Season
Back-to-school shopping isn’t just about ticking items off a list, it’s about setting your family up for a successful, low-stress start to the school year. Whether you’re buying school supplies, organizing schedules, or helping your child adjust to a new routine, a little planning goes a long way. Here are a few ways to make the most of the season:
1. Start Early to Avoid the Last-Minute Scramble
By mid-summer, many families are already deep into planning mode, and for good reason! Starting early gives you more time to compare prices, take advantage of discounts, and avoid the stress of sold-out essentials.
Make a checklist that includes everything from laptops and backpacks to lunch kits and water bottles. And don’t forget to label items, especially for younger kids or students living in shared spaces like lockers or dorm rooms. Custom name labels and personalized folders can help keep things organized and easy to identify.
2. Set Up Systems That Support Learning
One of the most overlooked parts of back-to-school prep is the environment students return to after the bell rings. Having a dedicated space for homework and studying, whether it’s a full desk or a quiet corner, can help students focus, stay organized, and feel more in control of their workload.
This doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple tools like a planner, a wall calendar, or a set of labeled folders can go a long way. Design-wise, try to keep things clean and consistent, using a calming colour palette or high-quality visuals. These small touches can make the space feel more personal and motivating.
3. Help Kids Feel Confident Through Self-Expression
Back-to-school is a big transition, especially for younger students or those entering a new grade or school. Giving kids a chance to express themselves through their school supplies, like custom notebooks, stickers, or pencil cases—can help them feel more confident and excited about the year ahead.
For college students, this might mean decorating their dorm room with personalized prints or organizing their class materials with branded folders and planners. These small details help create a sense of ownership and comfort in a new environment.
What Shoppers Are Looking For
As families prepare for the new school year, a few key trends are shaping how they shop:
- Sustainability: More parents are choosing eco-conscious options, from recycled paper to reusable containers.
- Tech-readiness: With hybrid learning still part of the mix, laptops, headphones, and digital planners are high on the list.
- Convenience: Bundled kits, curbside pickup, and personalized service are big draws for busy shoppers.
- Design-forward choices: Families are gravitating toward materials that are not only functional but also well-designed and reflective of their values.
And of course, school sales and seasonal discounts, especially those promoted through social media, continue to influence when and where families shop.
Make This Season a Success
The back-to-school season is a fresh start for everyone. Whether you’re launching a new campaign, prepping your kids for class, or just trying to stay ahead of the chaos, TPH is here to help you do it with confidence, creativity, and care.
Let’s make this your best season yet!