“We asked parents and guardians, ‘Do you plan to reduce spending this year on your back‑to‑school expenses?’ As students in the D.C. region get ready to head back to class next month, U.S. News is looking at their parents’ budgets. “We asked parents and guardians, ‘Do you plan to reduce spending this year on your back‑to‑school expenses?’ More than half the parents surveyed also say they already started back‑to‑school shopping, and they plan on spending up to $300 per child. Clothing and shoes expenses seem to be one of the most popular categories parents plan to spend on.