As children in the ACT return to school this week, many families will be severely out of pocket before the bell even rings for morning class.
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A recent study by The Smith Family found parents are required to fork out around $700 on uniforms, school shoes and stationary in preparation for the new school year.
The study found that families will spend more than $2000 per child on additional school costs throughout the year.
The Smith Family estimates parents will spend about $200 on class excursions and $600 on school lunches during the school term.
Mother-of-four Kylie Reid, who has two children still at school, often recycles school uniforms to cut costs.
"We've used hand-me-downs for many, many years and we've got hand-me downs from other friends who have older kids," Mrs Reid said.
Her husband is unable to work due to injury, so the Reid family tries to cover school expenses through strict budgeting.
"I juggle finances. I pay the bills in little amounts so that I don't have it all piling up," Mrs Reid said.
"We also don't go out a lot. Staying at home is cheaper."
The Smith Family is helping families like the Reids tackle additional school costs through its Learning for Life Program.
The program offers students financial assistance for schooling expenses and access to learning support programs.
All four of Mrs Reid's children were sponsored through the Learning for Life Program.
Her eldest son Angus, 16, was provided with $500 art classes to hone his creative talents through the program.
"Angus used to just draw with a pencil or a pen but now he uses chalk pastels," Mrs Reid said.
"He was always good but he's a lot better now."
Mrs Reid's youngest son Archie, 11, also received soccer lessons through the Smith Family's Saver Plus Program in partnership with ANZ.
The Smith Family hopes to support over 34,000 students through its Learning for Life Program this year.
However, a decrease in sponsorship over the past 12 months has left 1600 children without support.
The Smith's Family's chief executive, Dr Lisa O'Brien, encourages Australians to sponsor these students through the program.
"Sponsoring the education of an Australian child in need is a privilege," she said.
"It costs as little as $1.60 a day – $48 a month – to sponsor a child's education through The Smith Family."
