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MacBooks

For the 2026 - 2027 School year, our high school students will be transitioning from iPads to MacBooks. iPads are excellent educational tools that open up numerous learning opportunities in the classroom. These versatile devices have empowered our teachers to elevate your student’s learning experience.

As our students move into high school and start taking dual enrollment and AP classes, however, we’ve found that the iPad has its limitations. Many of these advanced courses assume students have access to a computer. While the iPad can work in this setting, it can lead to some frustration and challenges for users.

This change also provides an opportunity to teach our high school students basic computer literacy through daily use of the device. We've heard from parents and alumni that they often struggle with the technical aspects of using a computer after graduation. For most college work, a laptop is more suitable, and most workplaces require you to work on a computer in some capacity.

We believe this change will be a net positive for all of our students as they work through high school, graduate, and progress into the next phase of their lives. We’re excited about the new learning opportunities MacBooks will create in the classroom; we understand you and your student may have questions about this change.

We’ve put together a brief FAQ at the bottom of this page that addresses some of the most common questions. If you have any questions after reading the FAQ, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our technology department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the school moving students in grades 9–12 from iPads to MacBooks?

The reasons are two-fold: First, we believe many of the college courses students are taking are better suited for a laptop rather than an iPad. Working off the iPad in these classes is possible, but we see it as a hurdle students shouldn’t have to overcome. We believe it is our responsibility to provide our students with the best tools to succeed in these classes, and the MacBook is that tool.

Secondly, we have heard from former alumni and their parents that when they did move on to college, they faced a steep learning curve switching from an iPad to a laptop. This also impacts the small number of our students who choose to go directly into the workforce or attend a trade school. Using the device for their high school work should, through daily use, provide them with the foundation they need to succeed in their next stage of life.

When will the transition officially take place?

This transition will happen in phases, beginning with the last day of our 25-26 school year in May. Current high school students will be asked to return their current devices so we can reuse them for other grade levels. In June and July, we will start contacting families of high school students enrolled for 2026-2027 to schedule a day for device pickup. Families unable to pick up their devices early will receive their MacBook on the night of orientation, ensuring all students are prepared for the first day of school.

Will students keep their iPads as well, or is this a full replacement?

No, those devices will be repurposed for other grade levels. The exception to this is current 11th grade students moving into 12th grade who are still under the old Lease-to-Own program. Those devices will be released to the students to keep (just as if they had finished their senior year). Those devices will not be allowed back on campus, as they will be considered personal devices after they are released. More information about this process will be sent out to all our 11th grade families that this affects in the future.

Will this change affect students in K5–8?

No, our K5-8 grade students will continue utilizing iPads in the classroom.

Will students be allowed to take the MacBook home?

Yes, the MacBooks will work exactly like our current iPad Program: students will be issued a device during their time in our high school program. They will take the device home each day after school and keep it over the summer. When they leave SCA or graduate, the MacBook must be returned to SCA in good condition.

What happens if a student already owns a MacBook—can they use their personal device instead?

Students are not permitted to use their personal laptops on campus. Only devices managed by the school are allowed.

Will the school provide chargers, cases, or accessories?

SCA will provide each student with a power adapter and cable for their MacBook. The charger and cable must also be returned with the MacBook when a student graduates or leaves SCA.

Is there an additional cost or fee associated with receiving a MacBook?

There are no extra fees for switching to MacBooks. The only extra cost would be if a device is lost or damaged.

What are the repair or replacement costs if the device is damaged or lost?

Like our iPads, the MacBooks will be covered under AppleCare+. This means we can get the devices repaired by Apple for a much lower repair fee than usual. Typically, a damaged device costs around $100 to fix. If the device is lost, the full cost of the device will be charged to your account.

Will internet filtering or monitoring be in place on school-issued MacBooks?

Yes, we will apply the same filtering used on the iPads to protect our MacBooks. This filtering will work both on and off campus, regardless of which network the student is connected to.

Will students still use Apple Pencils/iPad apps for certain classes?

Any classes that require the use of an iPad will provide a set of iPads for students to use during class. These iPads will not be assigned to any individual student and will stay in the classroom.

How do students get help if their MacBook isn’t working?

Students will be instructed to fill out the same technology request form they currently use. Our technology office will contact them via email or call them down to the office during a free period to help troubleshoot any issues. In case of a repair, students will receive a loaner device, likely an iPad, to use in class while their MacBook is being repaired.

Will students need to transfer files or work from their iPads to the MacBook?

All student work and files should currently be backed up to their school-managed iCloud account. Our technology team will ensure all files are accessible on the MacBook before erasing the iPad and repurposing it.