Get your child ready for boarding school in Ghana with this verified checklist. From academic readiness to health, packing essentials, and emotional preparation—here’s all you need to know.

📌 1. Academic Preparation

• ✅ Understand School Curriculum & Subjects
  Research the elective and core subjects. For STEM SHSs, review Math, Science, and Computer basics. For Arts/Business, read up on literature, economics, or accounting.
• ✅ Buy Recommended Textbooks
  Use the GES-approved booklist. Many schools provide their own reading list at orientation or during admission.
• ✅ Organize Study Materials
  • Scientific calculator
  • Notebooks and graph books
  • Pens, pencils, erasers, rulers
  • Geometry set
  • Oxford or Ewe dictionary (depending on school)

🧳 2. Packing Checklist

🔹 Clothing

• School uniforms (check style and colors)
• House/sportswear
• Church wear (usually white/black)
• National wear (for ceremonial days)
• Slippers, sandals, school shoes
• Underwear (enough for at least two weeks)
• Pajamas and casual wear

🔹 Bedding

• 2 bedsheets
• 1-2 pillowcases
• Towel and toiletries (toothbrush, soap, sponge, etc.)
• Mosquito net (if required by school)

🔹 Stationery & Tools

• Trunk or chop box (labeled)
• School bag
• Bucket, pail, and bowl
• Padlock (with spare key)
• Mathematical set, calculator

🔹 Medical Essentials

• NHIS card
• Medical reports (if required by school)
• Personal medications (with prescription)
• First aid basics: plaster, paracetamol, menstrual products

🧠 3. Mental & Emotional Readiness

• Have open conversations about independence, peer pressure, and rules.
• Teach your child to manage time, wake up early, and keep tidy.
• Discuss how to handle money, conflict, and homesickness.
• Visit the school together beforehand, if possible.

💰 4. Financial Planning

• Budget for:
  • Admission fees
  • PTA levies
  • Feeding and boarding fees (if not covered by Free SHS)
  • Transport, toiletries, and upkeep money
• Set up a secure allowance system (weekly or monthly)
  Consider using a bank account (like GCB Smart Teen Account) for older students.

📞 5. Parent-School Communication

• Know your child’s housemaster/matron’s name and contact
• Follow the school’s official communication channels (WhatsApp, PTA group, or website)
• Keep up with academic calendars and visiting days

🛑 6. What NOT to Bring

Most schools prohibit:

• Mobile phones
• Expensive jewelry or gadgets
• Sharp objects (knives, scissors without cover)
• Unprescribed medication or energy drinks

Check your school’s specific prohibited items list.

💡 Bonus Tips

• Label all items clearly with permanent marker or tags
• Use two padlocks on the trunk and chop box
• Practice how to fold clothes and organize items for space and neatness
• Encourage good hygiene and time management routines at home before school starts

📚 Related Links on EducationGhana.org

• How to Choose the Right SHS in Ghana
• Free SHS Checklist for First-Year Students
• STEM SHS in Ghana: How to Apply & Prepare