iPads

iPad FAQs

Which model of the iPad will the school be providing?

The iPad model a student has is dependent on their graduation year. The breakdown is as follows:
- Class of 2024: iPad (7th Gen 10.2 inch)
 - Class of 2025: iPad (8th Gen/Air 9.8 inch)
 - Class of 2026: iPad (9th Gen, 10.2 inch)
        - Class of 2027: iPad (9th Gen, 10.2 inch)

They are purchased with capability in mind. The models have 32GB of storage, except 2027 who has 64.

I forgot my password - how can I reset it?

You have a lot of passwords now, so check this list to see where you should go:

PowerSchool/Google/Computer/Wifi password: visit the computer lab on West Top. This is an eight digit password that is used for all these accounts, so please remember it! OR send an email to email.questions@stfrancisprep.org with your name and Student ID number. Be patient - multiple emails means multiple password resets.

Other passwords?:

 - Apple ID (also iTunes U): reset it online at iforgot.apple.com. This is NOT your school email address, but rather a personal email that you created before you began school at Prep. 

- Pearson eTexts: Sign in to the app using the Pearson Easybridge Plus & Auto, type in St. Francis Preparatory school. Use your STUDENT PowerSchool username and password. 

- MySFP: reset it online at sfponline.org or visit Mr. Hessel in the social studies office.

- Sadlier Vocabulary: see your English teacher, who can reset it for you.

- Turnitin: reset it using the Reset Password link on turnitin.com, or visit the library.

- TestWizard: see your Science teacher for assistance.

I don’t have an App Store?

That’s right! No student device has an app store at Prep. Your custom app store will be called Self Service, and has all the apps you need while you’re attending school here. Please do not try to download others - they are not allowed on your device. You will also use self service to update your apps.  You will click "reinstall" on the apps that you wish to update.

Will certain features be restricted?

Yes. The iMessage app and FaceTime are blocked from all 1:1 program iPads. The devices are also restricted from physically connecting to computers via a USB cord. The device is also limited to certain apps that can be downloaded from Self Service. 

How will the monitoring software be installed?

In August the year students begin school, they will be required to pick them up with the monitoring software already installed on the device.

I still don’t have the Self Service app - what should I do?

Please see a member of the tech team in the technology office (W 201A) to have it corrected. 

I erased my iPad, help! 

If you have erased it for any reason, please come see a member of the tech team in w201A.

I have a software update - should I install it?

Absolutely! Part of keeping an iPad in good working order is keeping all of your software up to date. So whether it’s an app or your iOS, update away.

Something is wrong with my iPad - is there anything I can do to troubleshoot the issue?

Yes! Always, the first line of defense in fixing a problem is to turn your iPad off and then on again. Don’t just put the iPad to sleep - hold the power button down until you see the Turn-Off slider. Then, wait a few minutes and turn it back on. 90% of the time, this will fix the problem. 

How can we purchase insurance?

Everyone will need to purchase insurance through St. Francis Prep. The insurance will be billed at the beginning of the year, and covers damage and theft (this requires confirmation from the police). It does NOT cover lost iPads, which would have to be paid for by the student’s family.

Will my student be required to use the iPad to take notes?

Absolutely not. The iPad is a tool to help students in their schoolwork. For many students, that means they will want to use it to keep their notes accessible and organized. However, others may prefer paper, which is absolutely fine. Students will always be able to take notes in a format that is comfortable for them. However they will need to always have their iPad with them.

Should we purchase a separate keyboard?

That’s entirely at your student’s discretion. Most students are comfortable using only the touch keyboard to type even long assignments. However, students are encouraged to use any accessories (styluses, keyboards, etc) that are comfortable for them. If you are unsure whether your student will want a keyboard or not, consider waiting until a few weeks into the school year when students will have a better idea of their needs and comfort level. Please take into consideration the keyboard can NOT be part of a case, as the school case is required. *studies have found students who do not use keyboards for their notes retain the information more similarly to paper/pen notes. 

Will cases be provided?

All students will be required to purchase a specific case, which the school will provide. The case is durable and has a 3% breakage rate, and so we require the devices to be in the case in order for any breakage to be covered by insurance.

Will the iPads be collected over the summer?

They will not. Students will be able to use their iPads over the summer months as well. Restrictions and monitoring will continue to be in place during that time.

What happens to the iPads at graduation?

The device will be “released” from management and will officially belong to the student rather than the school - congratulations!

What if I have other questions?

Come see a member of the tech team in the iPad office with any questions you have. We also love email, feel free to drop us a line email.questions@sfponline.org and someone will get back to you with the appropriate answer.

iPad Repair

We know, accidents happen.  If somehow your iPad has broken, don't panic! That's why every student has insurance.  If your iPad has broken:

For the majority of our students, breakage isn't an issue.  Be responsible with your iPad and you might never have to deal with any of this!

Tips and Tricks


Avoiding Distraction

Your iPad should be used for your academic activities, not social activities.



Foundational Apps

These are apps we consider essential in starting your educational journey using the iPad at St. Francis Preparatory School.  StudyO and Notability will download automatically on your iPad when you set it up; the rest of these need to be downloaded from self service (your "app store").

iCloud Backup

We recommend creating an iCloud backup of your iPad in case it is ever lost or damaged beyond repair and we need to set up a replacement.  This ensures that your iPad can be restored to the last time it was backed up.  To do this: