How to Get a Device

Schools will provide their students with devices. If you have not heard from your school and your student needs a device or internet access, call the school’s main line. Please follow the directions below when you leave a message. Other device questions and answers are available here.

When you leave a message, please speak slowly and provide the following information:

Your child’s first and last name; spell the name slowly.

Your child’s student ID number, if you know it.

Your phone number.

Your email.

Your child’s home address.

If your child already has a device from MPS or has their own tablet or laptop they would prefer using, families just need to make sure to install Google Chrome and that the device has video and camera capabilities. Students in different grades get different devices from MPS:

  • Grades PK to 2 — iPads (tablet): Any student with at least one other sibling in this age range will need to share the iPad.

  • Grades 3 to 12 — Chromebooks (laptop): Students entering 3rd grade this year will need to trade in their iPad for a Chromebook.

  • Some older students receiving Special Education services might need an iPad instead of a Chromebook. Families should contact their student’s case manager for more information.

MPS will continue to provide hotspots for those students who need them most. However, families should be aware that hotspot signals can drop out for a variety of reasons. High-speed internet access from a service provider will have the best connectivity.

Visit the city of Minneapolis wireless page to learn about free and low-cost internet access. Families who qualify for public assistance programs can get internet access for as low as $10/month.

Families with students receiving Special Education services who have specific technology needs should work with their IEP team or case manager to get the assistive technology and adaptive devices they need.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
(additional questions are answered here)

Stay connected:

Now more than ever, it's critical that families make sure your school has your most recent contact information. All MPS schools use SchoolMessenger to share important information about weather closures, building safety, school events, transportation and more. Make sure you receive text messages by texting "Y" to 67587. Families can manage their contact preferences by creating a SchoolMessenger account. To learn more visit, SchoolMessenger.