Considering which of the various versions of iPad to purchase can be challenging. This guide will walk you through the various option in model, memory sizes and options that will best suite your student for use during their high school years and beyond.

iPads come in numerous models and each has a Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular option. The first thing to consider is longevity of use, keeping in mind the practicality of the device throughout their high school years and post high school educational goals. The rule of thumb we recommend is to purchase as newer a model with as much memory as is practicable.

Capacity: iPads come in sizes of 64GB all the way up to 2TB depending on the model . We recommend that you consider the 64GB or 256GB models since this offers larger storage capacity for textbooks, videos, photos and other related school work. If you anticipate your child doing extensive video work, larger is definitely better.

Cellular enabled iPads: We do not recommend the purchase of an iPad with the Wi-Fi + Cellular option since this option could incur monthly charges and prices can range between $150.00 and $200.00 more than the Wi-Fi only versions . Saint Mary’s has a network infrastructure to accommodate the number of devices on campus and a cellular network enabled iPad is not necessary for normal school usage. If you opt to purchase an iPad with cellular connectivity, students will be required to have the feature turned off while on campus.

iPad Models

iPad 11" (A16): The current standard iPad model is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes. The listed price starts at $349 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. This model works with Apple Pencil USB-C. It also works with Apple Pencil 1st generation with the required adapter (iPad pencil not required by Saint Mary’s).

iPad Pro 13" (M5) and 11" (M5): The current iPad Pro models are available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage sizes. List price starts at $1,299 for the 13" model and $999 for the 11" model. These models work with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C. Previous M4, M2, and M1 versions may still be available from some retailers.

iPad Air 11" and 13" (M4): The current iPad Air models are available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage sizes. Prices start at $599 for the 11" model and $799 for the 13" model. These models work with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C.

iPad Mini 8.3" (A17 Pro): The current iPad Mini is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes. Price starts at $499. This model works with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C.

Not Recommended iPads: We do not recommend purchasing older iPads with 32GB or 64GB of storage for new students. Families purchasing a used or refurbished iPad should confirm that the device can run the current version of iPadOS.

For a complete list of iPad models options please visit Apple's iPad store page here.

Additional Information

Where to Buy: iPads can be purchased from the Apple Store, from Apple’s online store, or from a number of home electronic retailers. If you purchase your iPad directly from Apple, students can take a free workshop to help get familiar with your new device.

Apple Certified Refurbished: Apple’s Certified Refurbished website is a great place to find deals on used iPads . Visit them at their https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipad

Apple Care: Saint Mary’s strongly recommends the purchase of Apple Care for your student’s iPad. Visit Apple’s Apple Care for iPads page to learn more.

 Why do students need a mobile computing device of their own?

Secondary education is in an exciting, rapidly changing time. The iPad meets a number of specific curricular needs that Saint Mary’s has identified for its students in these changing times. In particular, the iPad offers students:

• Access to the internet and all the rich content it has to offer . Students are able to participate more directly in lessons and access information for discussion and consumption.
• A high quality portable computing device with the ability to create, access, and store educational based material in a single lightweight, portable device.
• Access to social media so that students are a part of, and not just consumers of, the intellectual conversations of the moment;
• Access to local storage for online books, databases, textbooks, audio & video files so they can carry their studies with them in a variety of engaging formats; and
• A personalized computing device that ensures ubiquitous and equitable access as well as options for personal customization, integration, and responsibility.

Why does that mobile computing device need to be an Apple iPad?

In principle, it doesn’t . The iPad happens to be the best device currently available for the type of teaching and learning activities in which our students are engaged. It has a number of design elements that meet our needs, such as its long battery life, flat profile, touchscreen, and robust app developer community.

What happens when something better than the Apple iPad comes out?

It is likely that something better than the iPad will come out, and when it does, we’ll switch the next group of incoming students to the new device. The device is just a tool to be used in the service of teaching and learning. The education must always come before any particular educational tool — whether a desk, a textbook, a ruler, or an iPad .

Are families buying the iPad?

Yes. Families will purchase iPads directly, including the AppleCare insurance. Families have the option of purchasing any accessories individual students might want. Some students may opt to purchase the smaller iPad Mini, which is about $100 less than the full-sized iPad.

Do students buy the apps for the iPad, or does the school?

Students all have their own Apple ID that they use to buy and manage the apps on their iPads. Part of becoming a responsible user of technology is knowing how to care for the device, including downloading, installing, using, and uninstalling applications. Additionally, upon graduation, students will be able to continue using whatever apps they have purchased on whatever new iOS device they happen to buy in the future.

Can students buy games? What sort of management will the school put on the student iPads?

Students have access to all of the apps and iBooks in the Apple iTunes Store with their Apple ID. There are two reasons that Saint Mary’s will not use monitoring software on the iPads. First, all of the apps in the Store have been vetted by Apple’s quality control, assuring us of their safety and propriety. Secondly, one of the skills that we want students to learn is how to care for and maintain a mobile computing device of their own.

What happens if my child downloads too many expensive apps without my permission – apps unrelated to schoolwork? Will I be able to refund those items?

All of Apple’s app sales are final, so it is essential that you discuss this with your child . If your child currently is downloading songs or videos from iTunes, most likely you already have had this discussion.

How will the school handle the theft or physical damage of a device?

iPads are insured under the AppleCare policy that every student is required to purchase.  Apple covers many, but not all, accidents and events that can befall a mobile device. If an iPad is a total loss, then the family will need to cover the deductible associated with replacing the iPad. The specific details of coverage are explained in the AppleCare contract . Theft is not covered by AppleCare, and while Saint Mary’s is a safe campus where theft is not common, it is expected that, for all personal property, students secure their belongings thoughtfully.

What about accessories or cases?

Students are required to provide a case for their iPad, but aside from that, there are no other required accessories. We have prepared an iPad Apps & Accessories web page that identifies the apps that each student needs to have installed on their iPad, as well as recommendations for others, and some accessories that our faculty have found helpful .

Aren’t kids already overexposed to technology and social media?

We are aware of the dangers associated with overexposure to technology and social media. Our job is to make sure that students know those dangers, too, and become smart users of their smart phones and computing devices. Your child’s teachers will help in that endeavor. They have been trained to use the right tool at the right time. Sometimes it makes sense to put pen to paper or turn the pages of book, whether those are paper pages or electronic pages . Sometimes it’s important just to listen or to lead in a group discussion. And sometimes it’s essential to use an iPad to find the best answers, synthesize mountains of information and create something dynamic that will help transform our world. We also want to create a level playing field, without digital haves and have-nots. The new program will ensure that every student has the necessary digital tools to aid his or her education and growth.

What kinds of activities or content are prohibited in the classroom?

The polices in the Student & Parent Handbook in the section Code of Conduct will be enforced regarding a student’s use of the iPad .  The general rule is that if there is something a student should be doing, then that’s what they should be doing. If the class is working on research, then that’s what all students should be doing; if students are on their own time, then they can choose what to spend their time on. Just as a student can get detention for being disruptive in class or listening to their music instead of their teachers, they can get detention for doing something on their iPad other than what they should be doing. Misbehaving is misbehaving.

How will teachers use the iPad in their classes?

An entire section of iPads at Peralta Park: A Guidebook for Students and Parents has been dedicated to answering this question. The short answer is that the iPad will be used to access information beyond the four walls of the classroom; it will be used in analyzing material from a variety of sources, and it will be used to communicate a student’s findings and conclusion, and engage with other learners.

When will students need their iPads?

Students will need to have their iPads by their class orientation session in August.

Will students be trained on how to use their iPad?

During orientation, there will be sessions on  how to setup their iPad, how to maintain it, and some of the basics on using the iPad for class-related activities. Students who pick up their iPad in the beginning of the summer are encouraged to attend a training offered at any local Apple Store. Those who do so will have two months to become familiar with the device before they begin the next school year.

1. RECOMMENDED DEVICES

1.1. iPads

1.1.1. Saint Mary’s recommends that families purchase the newest iPad so that it remain a viable tool for students throughout their Saint Mary’s experience .

1.1.2. The iPad 2 is currently sufficient for students’ use. This may change at any time with the introduction of newer resources available to students.

1.1.3. The first generation iPad, known as the iPad 1, is not an acceptable choice.

1.1.4. The iPad Mini is a viable, less expensive alternative to the larger-sized iPad . It has all the functionality of the larger iPad in a smaller, thinner package.

1.2. Memory size

1.2.1. Saint Mary’s recommends a minimum storage size of 32GB. Digital textbooks, which could be up to 2GB each, can quickly take up storage leaving less room for apps and student data required for classes.

1.2.2. A 16GB iPad may initially suffice . Students will need to monitor available space and make sure there is room enough for required textbooks, apps, and student-created files.

1.3. WiFi and 3G/4G options

1.3.1. iPads equipped with WiFi alone suffice.  The school provides sufficient bandwidth to enable all devices to access online sources.

2. INSURANCE

2.1. Saint Mary’s highly recommends that families purchase the AppleCare+ iPad insurance  as this will cover any accidental damage for two (2) years as well as two separate instances of negligent damage. Saint Mary’s College High School is not responsible for damaged or stolen iPads. AppleCare provides the following protections: “Every iPad comes with one year of hardware repair coverage and 90 days of telephone technical support. AppleCare+ for iPad gives you two years of repair coverage and technical support from the original purchase date of your iPad. And it adds coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage due to handling for your iPad, each subject to a $49 service fee plus applicable tax.” – Apple Corporation

3. ACCESSORIES

3.1. Required accessories

3.1.1. iPad cover to protect against accidental damage .

3.1.2. Ear buds (to be used in class only when students are so instructed by a teacher).

3.2. Optional accessories

3.2.1. Protective film to cover display and protect against scratching.

3.2.2. External keyboard.

3.2.3. Stylus.

4. REQUIREMENTS

4.1. iPad registration

4.2. Students are required to:

4.2.1. Bring their iPads to school daily .

4.2.2. Fully charge the iPad each night to insure sufficient battery power to last throughout the school day.

4.2.3. Install new updates as they become available to keep the device’s software and applications up-to-date.

4.2.4. For iPads equipped with 3G/4G capabilities, student must have the cellular network capabilities turned off while on school grounds .

4.2.5. It is the student’s responsibility to keep his or her iPads safe at all times. Saint Mary’s College High School is not responsible for damaged or stolen iPads.

4.2.6. Students are required to have all apps and textbooks required by their teachers for each of their classes . A list of apps and textbooks for each class will be made available at the beginning of the school year and will be posted on teachers’ websites.

4.2.7.   Students are required to hand over their iPads for inspection at the request of any Saint Mary’s teacher or staff member.

5.PROHIBITED USE OF IPADS WHILE ON CAMPUS

5.1. Illegal installation or transmission of copyrighted materials .

5.2. Any action that violates existing school rules or public law.

5.3. Creating, sending, accessing, uploading, downloading, or distributing offensive, profane, threatening, pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material is strictly prohibited.

5.4. Use of social networks not authorized by the teacher for academic use.

5.5. Sites selling term papers, book reports, and other forms of student work .

5.6. Texting during instructional time.

5.7. Spamming: sending mass or inappropriate emails.

5.8. Gaining access to other students’ accounts, files, and/or data.

5.9. Use of the school’s internet/E-mail accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity.

5.10. Bypassing the Saint Mary’s web filter through a web proxy.

5.11. Photographing or video recording on campus without the permission of a teacher for academic purposes or in support of a school program.

5.12. Student sharing of their passwords, addresses, or other personal information on the Internet without the authorization of a parent or school representative.

5.13. Copying internet materials or reproducing materials without the permission of the author or other right-holder and any other action that violates copyright, unless allowed by educational fair use.

5.14. Plagiarizing academic materials.

5.15. Using or possessing hacking software.

5.16. Unauthorized access to classroom equipment, like the Apple TVs, which allow syncing with the iPad.

Individual teachers may impose addition policies for their individual classes.

Violation of any of these policies will result in disciplinary sanctions, including loss of co-curricular eligibility, suspension from school honor and service organizations, and suspension or expulsion from school.