School uniforms in Argentina represent a significant expense for families, reaching around $250,000 for those on a full school day, including subsidies, according to data from the Argentine Political Economy Center (CEPA).
Specifically, it is estimated that polo shirts with embroidered shields cost between $25,000 and $30,000, while sports polo shirts are around $20,000. For girls, at least $50,000 is added for the class skirt and a similar amount for the shorts or skirt-pants intended for gym classes in summer.
In total, acquiring a complete uniform involves an approximate expense of $250,000, which includes items such as sweaters, with an average price of $45,000, and a sports jogging set, with an average value of $55,000. Shoes and sneakers represent another significant cost, adding at least $150,000, considering an average of $75,000 for each type of footwear.
In addition to clothing, other expenses such as study books must also be considered, which can add at least $100,000 to the family's budget, depending on the children's educational level.
Regarding school supplies, prices vary depending on the children's age. For example, two notebooks and a language book for third to seventh grade can cost around $100,000 on average. At the secondary level, the average price of textbooks is about $31,100 per unit, needing approximately $93,300 for three copies.
Despite the subsidies and discounts offered by some businesses, the total cost of uniforms and books at private schools can exceed the average monthly fee of schools with state subsidies in Buenos Aires.
In summary, going back to school has a significant economic impact on Argentine families, where planning and searching for deals can mean considerable savings in a context of rising prices.
