MacBook Program

Mac Operating System (OS):

• To keep your student's MacBook running properly, check that they are running MacOS Big Sur

• MacBook Air support page

• Recover Apple Id and password

Back up your Mac:

• Using Google Drive for Desktop / Use your school Google Drive account

• Using Time Machine

• Using paid online service Carbonite

Learn About apple care: 

Every Mac comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary support. If you want to upgrade to the 3-year AppleCare+ you can do so (within 60 days of your computer purchase) on Apple’s website. Don't forget, you can always contact Apple directly for support or schedule an appointment at the nearest Apple Genius Bar.

Computer Insurance Companies for loss and theft coverage:

• SquareTrade

• Homeowners/renters insurance

• Trinity3

Big Sur is the newest Operating System that is necessary for you to successfully use a MacBook at BWS. Therefore, it is important that all students update their MacBook to the Big Sur OS.

Students will need a MacBook with a minimum of the following:

• 2018 or newer

• at least 8GB Ram

• at least 256GB Hard drive

• able to run MacOS Big Sur - 11.6

In order to provide students with access to Brentwood School’s vast digital resources and allow for ubiquitous technology-enriched opportunities both in and out of the classroom, students entering grades 7 or 9 will be required to bring to and use their personal MacBooks in school.

Brentwood School’s use and reliance on digital resources and technologies continues to grow at an accelerated rate. In order to accommodate and foster more opportunities for student-centered, project-based activities and greater integration of technology into the fabric of our students’ academic life, our students would greatly benefit from having their own MacBook to use each day in school and at home. Brentwood School believes that having this consistent access to technology will enhance students’ communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity as well as assist with organization and production in their classes.

Your MacBook must have at least 8 GB RAM and 256 GB hard drive, Intel Core or Apple M1 processor (2018 MacBook or newer). The computer must be able to run Apple’s Big Sur Operating System OSX 11.6 or newer.

Please contact the Educational Technology Department and we will discuss details as well as available resources to help your child meet the specifications.

It is important that you have a case or shell for your MacBook so that you can protect it at all times as well as a working charging cable.

Yes. You will have the opportunity to purchase a new MacBook laptop through Brentwood School and pay the school back based on a 9-month plan.

Yes, the Brentwood School Technology User Agreement and policies apply to any device used on campus.

Brentwood School will make Microsoft Office 365 Online available to every student free of charge. If you want to install other versions of Microsoft Office, you may be able to purchase it through the school for a reduced cost (details forthcoming).

Each family will pay for the MacBook that each student will bring to school. If you choose to purchase the MacBook through Brentwood School you will have a one-year no interest pay back option.

Students receiving financial assistance will purchase their MacBook through Brentwood School and receive the same discount percentage that is outlined in their financial aid agreement.

Brentwood School will assist you in connecting your device to our school network and provide in-school internet access. We will not be responsible for the technical support of personal technology devices. However, faculty and staff will provide the students with information and guidance on how to keep their MacBooks up to date, in good working order, and basic technology problem solving.

Students and/or their families are responsible for their personal computing devices at all times. The school will have loaner MacBooks available if your MacBook is being repaired. Brentwood School will also identify local reputable repair shops that may help you if you are in need of repair services.

Families must stress the responsibilities their children have when bringing their own MacBook to school. Any devices students bring to school are their sole responsibility.

Brentwood School takes no responsibility to search for lost or stolen devices nor is there any assumption of financial responsibility by Brentwood School for damaged, lost or stolen personal computing devices.

• It may be wise to acquire theft or hazard insurance.

• If purchasing a new computing device for a child to use at school, we recommend purchasing the extended warranty. Details on Applecare+ is available on Apple’s website.

The MacBook will be used on a regular basis as a tool to enhance the breadth and depth of your child’s learning experience both at school and at home.

BWS faculty will gradually shift to more digital resources and textbooks, knowing that the students all have equal access to these resources. Many of our print textbooks are currently available in digital format, allowing students to purchase a print copy for home use and a digital copy to use at school. Between what is available from our textbook publishers and teachers moving more toward curating digital resources to create their own “course reader,” we are confident that the days of filling a backpack with large print textbook is waning.

While many users are able to keep and use the same MacBook for many years, the typical lifespan of a MacBook is three to four years. Once a MacBook is more than four years old, it may not be able to run some of the latest software and/or operating systems, and the mechanics of the MacBook may deteriorate. Proper maintenance and upkeep can help extend the life of a MacBook. Given this, students who get a new laptop in 7th grade will most likely need to replace it at the start of 10th grade.

A forgotten MacBook is a good opportunity to reinforce the value of being prepared and responsible. If your child forgets their MacBook, please do not bring it to school for them. There will be other ways they are able to accomplish the learning goals that day.

If you don’t already have and use an AppleID for the App Store and/or iTunes on another device (iPhone, iPad, home computer), you may want to consider setting up a family shared AppleID account. This is the only way to set up an AppleID for people under the age of 13. To better understand the purpose of and how to setup an AppleID visit this website.

Students will need to have and know their AppleID user id (email address) and password to access iTunes, the AppStore and iCloud. Students take advantage of these tools to save or share content, install free software and access media.