Best planners for students (tested and reviewed)
Updated: Sep 8, 2023
Is your high schooler struggling to balance schoolwork, sports, and a social life?
Are you in search of the perfect planner that fits neatly in a backpack but still has ample space for tracking assignments?
Do you wonder if a well-designed planner could be the key to improving your child's academic performance?
You're not alone.
Many parents are on the hunt for that elusive tool that will help their students stay organized and excel in their studies.
Well, your search might just be over. Read on to discover a planner that has students and parents alike raving about its design and utility.
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Best overall student planner: Indeme Student Planner
I recently tested out this planner and I've got to say, it's perfect for students and even professionals like myself.
What first caught my eye was its compact size, making it super convenient to carry around. The quality of the material is top-notch, featuring vivid colors that are easy on the eyes.
One practical feature that stood out is that it lays flat when open; this makes jotting down tasks or notes a breeze. It comes with a page marker and stickers, which are more than just fun; they're functional and add an extra layer to planning.
What's more, it's got both monthly and weekly planning pages, and even includes an added pocket for any important documents or notes. Inspirational quotes peppered throughout the pages are a nice touch, offering a bit of motivation.
Although the white cover might be prone to dirt, that's a minor issue for a planner that gets so much right.
All in all, this planner offers a fantastic blend of utility and aesthetic appeal. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to stay organized in a stylish way.
Best planner for boosting personal growth: Purpose Planner Undated
This planner is excellent for students because it integrates academic tasks with lifestyle habits in a seamless way.
Its specific categories help manage school assignments, extra-curricular activities, and social life, making work-life balance achievable. Built-in trackers for sleep and self-care serve as wellness reminders amidst academic pressures.
The undated format adds flexibility, allowing students to start planning at any time during the academic year. Overall, it's a comprehensive tool for student success both academically and personally.
Best planner for students on a budget: Weekly Planner Notepad
Students would particularly appreciate this planner for its user-friendly and straightforward layout, making it easy to manage school tasks, assignments, and extracurricular activities.
Its versatile styles, including daily, weekly, and habit-tracking options, align well with the varying organizational needs that students have, from short-term homework deadlines to long-term project planning.
The planner's quality construction and protective plastic cover make it durable enough to survive the school year, while its portability means students can easily take it from class to class.
With appealing aesthetics and color options, it also serves as a personal accessory that students would be happy to show off. Overall, its design, functionality, and durability make it an ideal tool for students aiming to enhance their organizational skills and academic performance.
Best desktop planner: Sweetzer & Orange Weekly To Do List Pad
After testing this planner, I can confidently say it's a student's dream for staying organized. The high-quality construction ensures it'll withstand daily wear and tear, and the ample space in each daily block is perfect for jotting down assignments, due dates, and other commitments.
One of the standout features are the tear-away pages, which make it easier to prioritize tasks. It's compact enough to fit in a backpack but still offers enough real estate for meticulous planning.
This planner strikes the ideal balance between functionality and design, making it an indispensable tool for any student looking to streamline their academic life.
This planner is more than just a place to jot down appointments. The design is sleek, and the layout is extremely user-friendly, with ample space for notes, including grid paper.
The hourly week section is especially useful for meticulous time-blocking, a feature busy individuals will appreciate. One standout aspect is its eco-friendliness; it even comes with guidelines on how to recycle it. While it's on the pricier side, the investment in your time management is worth every penny.
Best 5" X 8" planner: AT-A-GLANCE Weekly & Monthly Planner
This planner is highly favored for its practical design and durability, making it particularly useful for students. Users appreciate its perfect size, fitting easily into purses or bags without being bulky.
The planner's 15-minute increment scheduling helps users keep track of busy schedules. Despite some critiques about the pricing and paper quality, long-term customers attest to its reliability, often reordering the same model year after year.
Additionally, its availability online offers both convenience and better pricing compared to in-store options. A few users wished for added features like pockets, but overall, it's considered a consistent winner for organizing appointments and tasks.
Conclusion
The quest for the perfect student planner doesn't have to be a complicated ordeal.
As we've explored, the right planner can be a game-changer in your child's academic journey, offering not just organization but a confidence boost as well.
With ample space for notes, vivid colors that spark joy, and convenient size options, these planners are more than just an organizational tool; they're a roadmap to success.
So why settle for disorganized chaos when a simple, effective solution is at your fingertips? Equip your student with the planner they deserve and pave the way for a more organized, focused, and successful school year
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About the author
Sean G. McCormick is the founder of Executive Function Specialists, an online coaching business that guides middle, high school, and college students in overcoming procrastination, disorganization and anxiety by teaching time management, prioritization and communication skills so they feel motivated, prepared, and empowered.
He also founded the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains special education teachers, school psychologists and other professionals to support students with AD/HD and executive function challenges.