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.

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

    • We haven't tested the MacBook Neo yet but we think it will be a good device for our students in 8th-12th grades. If you decide to purchase one, ask for the education discount. Apple is clear that they offer it to college students but not specific about K12 students. (3/6/2026)

    • 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

What costs can we expect?

• • • A MacBook Air with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD starts at $999.

    • AppleCare  for the MacBook Air starts at $179 for three years or $64.99 annually. 

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.