Discount School Supply began with a small retail store selling educational products. Founder Ron Elliott recognized that teachers needed access to a broader range of classroom materials and creative resources, inspiring him to find ways to make those products easier to obtain. In 1985, he expanded the store's reach by producing a 16-page, black-and-white catalog devoted to arts and crafts supplies. This catalog marked the beginning of Discount School Supply as a dedicated educational supplier.

From the start, the company's goal was to offer quality products at affordable prices while providing dependable, helpful service. As the business grew, its selection expanded well beyond arts and crafts to include science and math materials, sensory resources, dramatic play equipment, classroom furniture, and supplies for early childhood education.

Today, Discount School Supply serves teachers, schools, childcare centers, and other educational organizations through its online store, catalogs, and classroom planning resources. Its offerings are designed to support a wide range of learning environments, from preschool classrooms to elementary programs.

The company's founding commitment remains central to its approach: helping educators access the materials they need to create engaging, enriching experiences for children while balancing quality, value, and service.