Laptop Program
Our 1:1 laptop program at the middle and upper divisions allows teachers to incorporate a wide variety of software applications and tools into their curricula. All students in grades five through twelve and all teachers have their own state-of-the-art laptop computers for use at school and home. Students in the Lower Division have access to classroom computers and iPads.
Purchasing a Laptop
Beginning fall 2018, all Grade 5 students are issued a Chromebook for use at school.
Grade 6-8 students are required to have an Apple MacBook. MacBooks for grade 6-8 students are configured for students during the first week of school.
Grade 9-12 students are required to have a Windows 10 laptop or an Apple MacBook (11.1 or newer). All new students bring computers to one of the BootCamp events during orientation for configuration and installation of software. Stevenson's software suite includes: Windows, macOS, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Sophos and Malwarebytes endpoint protection and G Suite. Students may use iPads or other tablets as a secondary device, but these will usually not suffice as a primary computer.
Upper Division FAQs
- What software is provided to Stevenson students?
- Are boarding students permitted to use desktop computers in the dorm rooms?
- What software should be downloaded before arrival at school?
- Will Linux work at Stevenson?
- Are students permitted to use tablets for class?
- How are data and programs backed up?
- What insurance is needed for student computers?
What software is provided to Stevenson students?
Are boarding students permitted to use desktop computers in the dorm rooms?
What software should be downloaded before arrival at school?
Will Linux work at Stevenson?
Are students permitted to use tablets for class?
How are data and programs backed up?
What insurance is needed for student computers?
Lower/Middle Division FAQs
- Overview
- MacBook Air laptops do not have CD/DVD drives. Do I need to buy one?
- Why doesn't Stevenson adopt iPads for use in the classroom?
- Can students bring their personal iPads to use in the classroom?
- Does the Upper Division have the same laptop program?
- What can students do to provide better protection for their laptops?
- What happens if my student damages the computer?
- Does Stevenson teach my child about safe computer use outside of school?
- When should the MacBook Air be replaced?
- Do students in grades 6, 7 or 8 need new computers?
- Why does the laptop program begin in Grade 5?
- Do parents need to purchase any specific programs or applications?
- Are students expected to have printers at home?
Overview
Students in grades six through eight on the Carmel Campus are required to have a working laptop computer that meets the school's minimum standards. Grade 5 students will be issued a school owned Chromebook. New 6, 7 and 8 students require the use of a MacBook Air. The MacBook Air may purchased at the Apple store in Monterey or online. For returning grade 6, 7 and 8 students, other configurations are acceptable.
Questions about the laptop program can be directed to Jim Fannin at jfannin@stevensonschool.org or 831-625-8375.
MacBook Air laptops do not have CD/DVD drives. Do I need to buy one?
We are able to manage these laptops at school without optical CD/DVD drives; however, students may want to watch DVD movies or listen to audio CDs at home. In this case, yes, you may purchase an external USB drive that will remain at home. Additionally, these laptops come without an ethernet port. In the rare case that you connect to internet at home via ethernet instead of wirelessly, you will need to purchase a separate adapter to do so
Why doesn't Stevenson adopt iPads for use in the classroom?
We piloted an iPad program in Grade 4 to assess the use of iPads in the classroom. The results are mixed. While iPads are a wonderful tool, they continue to lack some advanced features needed for the Middle Grades. For example, word processing can be awkward and web publishing or programming is difficult. iPads are still ideal in early grades, and the Grade 4 class will continue to advance creatively and academically with tablets while we continue to assess the usefulness of adopting them in later grades.
Can students bring their personal iPads to use in the classroom?
We welcome iPads and can accommodate and manage them in the technology program; however, the student must also bring the MacBook to school daily. We can support iPads with some school-supported software, but currently we can only offer external vendors as resources for repair. We are not yet certified to troubleshoot or repair iPad tablets.
Does the Upper Division have the same laptop program?
Because the Upper Division campus has an international population of more than 520 resident and day students, in addition to other dynamics that differ from the Carmel Campus, we will continue supporting the current mixed-platform laptop program. As the technology applications advance in conjunction with our academic program, we believe high school students should have the option to choose a laptop make and model based on their needs and interests. On the other hand, we expect parents and students will be delighted by what the MacBook Air offers, and that you will find its usefulness lasting well into the high school years.
What can students do to provide better protection for their laptops?
As part of the new laptop program, students will be provided a thin yet sturdy, padded case in which to carry their laptops; this will offer ample protection. Additional cases are available through Apple or other vendors (for example, plastic skin cases or keyboard covers) and can be attached to the laptops for added protection.
What happens if my student damages the computer?
Each MacBook Air is purchased through the school with 2 years of Apple Care, Apple’s extended protection program. This program offers warrantied repair to all laptops. If desired, additional years can be purchased through Apple. Stevenson’s technology department is equipped to troubleshoot and repair basic software and hardware problems. Note that accidental damage - such as screen breakage - is not covered. Stevenson has partnered with some local reputable and licensed Apple repair stores to assist with any work outside of the warranty, and we are equipped with loaner laptops for such cases.
Does Stevenson teach my child about safe computer use outside of school?
As part of the laptop program and the Community Citizenship curricula in Middle Grades, students explore themes of digital safety and security, search and research, kindness and respect, digital footprint, creativity, and screen time. Students learn how to change settings on their laptops to minimize distractions such as pop-ups, messaging, and volume controls. Middle grade students also engage in an ongoing dialogue with their teachers and peers about what is working and what is not, and support is provided to work through tech challenges.
When should the MacBook Air be replaced?
Do students in grades 6, 7 or 8 need new computers?
Why does the laptop program begin in Grade 5?
Do parents need to purchase any specific programs or applications?
No. The technology fee that is part of tuition covers all software used at the school. If you wish to purchase and install other software for your child, you may do so, as long as it will not conflict with other software or hardware used at the school. You are encouraged to contact the technology coordinator about such additional software. Please also read through the list of provided software so that you are not buying a duplicate copy of a title available through the school.
Are students expected to have printers at home?
Yes. We encourage each family to have at least a black-and-white, USB or wirelessly-enabled printer at home. While we are working toward less paper use at the school, faculty may still request assignments be printed at home and brought to school with the student at the beginning of the next school day.