Summertime is winding down and vacations are coming to an end, signaling that back-to-school time is here. It’s a time that many children eagerly anticipate — catching up with old friends and making new ones, and settling into a new daily routine. Parents and children alike scan newspapers and websites looking for sales on a multitude of school supplies and the latest clothing fads and essentials. The U.S. Census Bureau recently released key statistics highlighting the many statistics associated with the return to classrooms by our nation’s students and teachers.

Back-to-School Shopping

$8.2 Billion:  The estimated amount of money spent at family clothing stores in August 2014. Sales at bookstores in August 2014 were estimated at $1.6 billion.

Number of Students

78 million:  The number of children and adults enrolled in school throughout the country in October 2013 — from nursery school to college. They comprised 25.9 percent of the entire population age 3 and older.

Pre-K through 12 Enrollment

48,299,727:  Fall enrollment for elementary and secondary public school systems in 2012.

Current Spending Per Student

$10,700:  The amount of current spending per pupil for elementary and secondary public school systems in the United States in 2013.

For more key back-to-school statistics, please visit the latest issue of the U.S. Census Bureau's Facts for Features.