Device Purchasing

Students in grades 8-12 will need a family owned device to use during the school day. We recommend a MacBook but an iPad is also acceptable. Students in lower grades use school provided devices.

MacBook use/purchase:

• • • We recommend a MacBook for students in grades 8-12 for use at school. The device is to be provided by the family. An iPad is also acceptable.

    • Students taking a class that uses an iBook for the textbook must have an Apple device.

    • Any device must be able to be updated to the latest operating system.

    • There must be enough storage on the device to handle all of a students digital textbooks and resources. 

    • Students taking High School Art classes will need a MacBook capable of installing the Adobe Suite.

    • A basic MacBook Air should be sufficient for student needs.

    • A MacBook Neo should be sufficient for most student needs and is priced very competitively. If a student will be doing extensive video editing, it may not be the best choice.

    • Parents or students will need the administrative password for the device in order to install software.

Other recommendations:

• • • Some type of carrying case so that the device is protected whether in a backpack or being carried by hand. 

    • Damage coverage - AppleCare or an equivalent. 

Where can we buy?

• • • The Apple Store - Green Hills Mall or Cool Springs Galleria or Downtown Nashville

    • Apple Online

    • Other retail or online stores

Device Care

• Get a case or sleeve for your device.

• If you put your device in your backpack, make sure it's protected inside the backpack. Don't throw your backpack around with a device inside.

• Moisture will kill a device. Keep liquids away and don't leave your device out in the cold. That leaves it at risk for condensation.

What costs can we expect?

• • • A MacBook Air starts at $1099.

    • A MacBook Neo starts at $599.

    • When purchasing from Apple, you might want to ask for the education discount. Apple is clear that they offer it to college students but they are not specific about K12 students. It's worth a try!

    • AppleCare  costs vary depending on the device. 

Software

• We use Google Docs for most word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. There is no need to purchase any office software.

• The student may need to download the Respondus Lockdown Browser but instructions for that will be given in class.