Bring Your Own Device
Overview
In the Upper School, students must bring their own computing device daily (BYOD). The device must meet the specifications listed below, and students are responsible for its maintenance, including repairs or replacements due to loss, damage, or theft. Saint George’s will provide basic troubleshooting, wireless internet, wireless printing for compatible devices, complimentary software for select platforms, and charging stations throughout the campus.
Requirements
Minimum requirements:
Software:
- Must run Microsoft Office 365 applications. The school provides Microsoft Office 365 to students for free.
Storage:
- Requires at least 10 GB of free space on a hard drive, typically a 120 GB or larger hard drive.
- Have 8 GB of memory (RAM)
Operating System (supported until the end of the school year):Â
- Windows 11 Version 25H2 or newer
- macOS 15 or newer (Sequoia)
Peripherals:
- Must support video calls with a webcam and microphone.
- Must have a keyboard or be able to attach one.
Device recommendations:
Peripherals:
- Have a digital pen or stylus for handwritten notes or diagrams.
Storage:
- Use a Solid State Drive (SSD) for storage.
- Have 16 GB or more of memory (RAM).
Power and Charging:
- Charge via USB-C or Thunderbolt (USB Power Delivery).
- Minimum 6 hours of battery life.
Software:
- Use only one antivirus program (e.g., Windows Defender, Avira, Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky).
- Remove unnecessary programs on new Windows devices (IT department can assist).
Devices
Recommended:
- HP x360 (Envy 2-in-1 14, Elitebook, Spectre)
- Lenovo 2-in-1 (Thinkpad X1 Gen 10, Yoga)
- Dell 2-in-1 (Latitude, XPS)
- Microsoft Surface (Pro, Laptop)
Common devices without touch/stylus:
- Apple Macbooks (Air 2020 and Pro 2020, or newer)
- Windows gaming laptops (Razer Blade, Asus TUF, Lenovo Legion, Acer Predator, etc.)
Devices that do not meet requirements:
- iPhone or other smartphone: Lack the necessary tools and screen size for schoolwork. Phones are not permitted for classwork.
- Chromebook: Personal Chromebooks cannot be used for digital testing.
- Windows 10 laptop: No longer receives updates from Microsoft as of October 2025.
- iPad: While iPads do not currently meet our requirements, we are piloting their usage in the Upper School. Please contact the Director of Technology if you are interested in joining this pilot.
Other considerations:
Insurance Plan: Consider purchasing insurance to cover accidental damage or loss.
Backup Service: Use a backup service like Microsoft OneDrive to ensure work can be recovered.
Screen Size: Choose a screen size that’s easy to read but not too bulky to carry.
Keyboard Quality: Ensure the device has a comfortable and high-quality keyboard for writing and editing.
Tailored to Needs: Select a device suited to your child’s needs, especially for activities like Robotics or Photography.
Device Quality: High-quality or business-grade devices withstand everyday wear-and-tear better than lower quality devices.
Provided Software: The school offers students free access to Microsoft 365 Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, and Vernier Logger Pro.