Be trendy but stay within a budget when you buy school supplies at Family Dollar. From binders and notebooks to pencils and agenda organizers, choose from a varied selection of designs. Mix and match to let your child create their unique back-to-school style or keep everything in the same theme for a more uniform look.
South Chicago & East Side Back to School Checklist
Back to school shopping in South Chicago & East Side can be daunting. We're here to help, rounding up neighborhood tips and lists to find supplies like backpacks and notebooks, the latest fashion ideas, and everything else you need to know about getting your student's academic year off on the right foot. Bounded by the Calumet River and bisected by the Skyway, these neighborhoods are known as the gateway to the Calumet Region. Both have a slice of lakefront along Lake Michigan, and the area has a mix of new and historic bungalows.
Supplies
Pencils, bags and everything for grade school kids, as well as bigger items for students headed off to college.
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Family Dollar
9101 S. Commercial Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60617
(773) 221-4410
After School, Private Schools, Tutors & Lessons
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Epic Academy
EPIC Academy was founded by five teachers in a coffee shop as a nontraditional high school to give students from an area with almost no college degrees a fighting chance at education. Now, more than 90 percent of the graduating classes go on to a four-year program. However, even before that point, more than 15 afterschool programs are available to enrich education.
8255 S. Houston Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60617
(773) 535-7930
Sports, Music & Activities
All the equipment for your extracurriculars.
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Rowan Park
Cure after school boredom at Rowan Park, which has nearly 18 acres of outdoor fun and entertainment. There’s a gym, multipurpose rooms, an ice rink in the winter, ball fields and a playground. On warmer days, bring the kids to the on-site spray pool for some watery fun. Spring sports programs run from the end of March to the end of May.
11546 S. Ave. L, Chicago, Illinois 60617
(773) 646-3180
Smart Looks
Get styled.
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Thelvy’s Hair Studio
Locally owned and operated, Thelvy’s Hair Studio is a neighborhood favorite. Get a cut, color or style for your kids so they can look their best for the first day of school. They even could be featured in a before and after photo gallery on the studio’s Facebook page.
10114 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60617
(773) 721-7880
Checkups
Doctors, dentists and specialists.
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Tropical Optical
Eyecare and eyewear don’t have to be done separately when you go to Tropical Optical in South Chicago. Get an eye exam done and then pick frames or contacts all at the same location, with short wait times to collect your finished eyewear. Most vision plans are accepted, and if needed, you can bring your glasses back for repairs.
9137 S. Commercial Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60617
(773) 768-3648