Greater Cincinnati Back to School Guide: What you need to know

Jul 04, 2023

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Back-to-school season is in full swing and parents and students head back to class.

As you prepare to head back to school, we put together the ultimate guide on school start dates, information on what you can buy tax-free this weekend and immunization requirements.

We also have a way to help others in need as they head back to school or a way to get school supplies if you need help.

Hamilton County

Butler County

Northern Kentucky

Warren County

Clermont County

Brown County

Highland County

Southeastern Indiana

Adams County

Archdiocese of Cincinnati Schools – Includes Hamilton, Butler, Warren Clermont & Highland county schools

Diocese of Covington

Colleges/Universities

Vaccination requirements and recommendations can differ on one's age and school.

Commonly required vaccinations include DTaP, polio, Hep B, chickenpox and meningococcal.

To view required vaccinations for child care and school in Ohio, click here.

To view required vaccinations for child care and school in Kentucky, click here.

To view required vaccinations for child care and school in Indiana, click here.

Get ready, shoppers. Ohio’s back-to-school sales tax-free holiday is back next weekend.

In 2019, Senate Bill 226 allowed for a permanent sales tax holiday on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August each year.

This year, Ohio will have a sales tax holiday from Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at 12 a.m. to Sunday, Aug. 7, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.

During the holiday, the following items are exempt from sales and use tax:

Items used in a trade or business are not exempt under the sales tax holiday. Items like clothing accessories, protective equipment, sports equipment, costume masks, and patches are also not eligible for the holiday.

There is no limit on the amount of the total purchase; the qualification is determined item by item.

The holiday is set by law, and vendors must comply so no vendor is exempt from the law.

For more information on the sales tax holiday and answers to any other questions, click here or call the Department at 888-405-4039.

It can be stressful trying to find everything your student needs before they get back to the classroom. Below are some links for stores with back-to-school deals and lists.

WLWT has partnered with Volunteers of America this summer for "Operation Backpack." Many children return to school each year without basic supplies.

You can help a student start their school year right by donating backpacks and school supplies.

Members of the WLWT News 5 team will be hosting a live drop-off event on Wednesday, Aug. 2, helping to collect donations.

Here are some ideas of what to donate:

Hygiene items are also welcome, including:

You can drop off donations in person now through August 7 at the following locations:

Eastgate4363 Eastgate Square DrEastgate, OH 45245

Fairfield7200 Dixie HighwayFairfield, OH 45014

Fields Ertel9591 Fields Ertel RdLoveland, OH 45140

Colerain8760 Colerain AveNorthgate, OH 45251

Western Hills5744 Harrison AveDent, OH 45248

Florence5015 Houston RdFlorence, KY 41042

Cold Spring3710 Alexandria PikeCold Spring, KY 41076

VOA also has a shoppable wishlist so you can donate online here.