Technology Program
Program Description
Loyola High School’s technology program requires each student to have their own computer and broadband internet connectivity. Access to these two essential pieces of technology are used daily for research, test taking, classroom activities, homework assignments and, when necessary, to engage in online distance learning. Our technology program allows students to gain valuable technology skills that enhance their education and promote lifelong computer literacy. Due to their reputation of quality and reliability, Loyola High School has chosen to use Apple technology on campus. All incoming students are required to have their own Apple macbook and broadband internet connectivity at home. Please review the technology requirements for students on this page for detailed information.
Our technology program has the following requirements:
- All incoming students must have their own MacBook for use both at school and at home. The MacBook must be brand new (not used) and current model. A current model is defined as any model Apple sells on their website. It does not mean the newest and/or most expensive model.
- The MacBook must have AppleCare+ coverage. Loyola High School does not provide any hardware related support for student computers. AppleCare+ will allow you to bring your computer to an Apple Store for any hardware related issues.
- Students are required to bring their MacBook to school each day with the battery fully charged and in good operating condition.
How to purchase
Students may purchase their MacBook from any authorized Apple reseller including the Apple Store, Best Buy, Amazon or Costco as long as AppleCare+ is also purchased. Loyola has worked with Apple to create a online Apple Store for Loyola High School where you will be able to purchase Apple macs or iPads at Apple’s current educational rates. Items can be shipped directly to you or you can arrange to pick them up at you local Apple Retail Store.
MacBooks should not be purchased second hand and/or through an unauthorized third party. This is to protect our students from purchasing damaged or stolen products that would not be supported by Apple.
Approved MacBook models
Any new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro is acceptable for our technology program. For most students the MacBook Air with the Apple M1 processor is more than adequate for daily student use. We would recommend upgrading the base model from 8gb to 16gb of RAM which will improve overall performance if you are able. Students who plan to take digital photography or use their MacBook for video editing may need a MacBook Pro which has more processing power and storage. AppleCare+ must also be purchased with your MacBOok as required by our technology program. AppleCare+ can be purchased online, at the Apple Store or by calling 800-275-2273 within 60 days of purchase.
Recommended accessories
A USB C hub if you plan to connect older USB devices or an external monitor.
A hard shell case to protect the MacBook from damage such as this. Please note that cases are model specific. Be sure to buy the correct case for your specific MacBook.
Every Mac comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. AppleCare+ for Mac extends your coverage from your AppleCare+ purchase date and includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other accidental damage, plus applicable tax.1 In addition, you’ll get 24/7 priority access to Apple experts by chat or phone. For detailed information on what is covered please visit the AppleCare+ page.
All Loyola students must purchase AppleCare+ with their new MacBook at the time of purchase or within 60 days of purchase using one of the following methods:
Online (requires you to verify your serial number)
At an Apple Store (inspection of Mac and proof of purchase are required)
By calling 800-275-2273
Loyola provides a MacBook to a very limited number of families based on financial need. Eligible families will be contacted directly via mail in early to mid May. 2. What applications (apps) will be provided to students as part of the technology program?
Students will be provided the following apps as a part of their enrollment at Loyola High School:
– Google Workspace for Education
– Adobe Creative Cloud
– Microsoft Office
Please note that these apps are only provided to our students while they remain students at Loyola High School. Once a student graduates or leaves Loyola, access to these apps will be revoked.
3. Which Apple MacBook do you recommend?For most students the model we recommend is the MacBook Air with the Apple M1 processor. If it fits in your budget, we would recommend upgrading to 16gb of RAM from the standard 8gb of RAM for improved performance. Students who plan to take digital photography or use their Macbook outside of school or activities such as video editing, music creation, etc… might opt for a mac with more memory, faster processors and graphics such as a MacBook Pro. 4. What are my son’s support options if something goes wrong with his MacBook?
Loyola High School does not provide any hardware related support for student computers. While we do offer students support with their Loyola accounts and Loyola provided software, we do not have the ability to support student computer hardware. For this reason we require AppleCare+ coverage on student MacBooks which gives students 24/7 priority access to Apple experts by chat, phone or in person support at an Apple Store. AppleCare+ also provides up to three years of hardware coverage including up to 2 incidents of accidental damage (subject to a service fee). 5. Does Loyola monitor what students are doing on their MacBooks?
Loyola High School actively monitors all network traffic on campus including websites visited and services accessed while connected to our network. Off campus activity is not monitored but per Loyola High School’s Responsible Use Policy, students are responsible for their activity when using Loyola provided services such as Google Workspace for Education and Canvas regardless of where they are accessing it from.