My kids have been homeschooled for like 4 years now. Before that, they went to a private UMS that had really strict dress code policies about backpacks.

This fall they are starting at a different private, UMS and although they have uniforms, they have a LOT of freedom in backpack choice. The parents that I've met so far have said that Jansport is the "en vogue" brand, though the backpacks themselves vary. I'm hopelessly out of the loop on "what's cool" since we've been homeschooling. I'm hoping some of you can weigh in or have your teens/tweens weigh in on what my two have selected....

6th grade boy (in red):
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-...=boys+backpack

8th grade girl (courtland blue):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DL9TJTV...JYDF55QH&psc=0

Do these look like they would be acceptable for your middle schoolers? TIA!