1-1 Device Program

All Upper School Students in Class of 2027 and beyond will be required to have Mac laptops.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

• Macbook Air 13” with M Series Chip
• 8 GB RAM
• 256 GB Hard Drive

The recommended minimum configuration is as follows:

• Macbook Air 13” with M Series Chip (Latest Available at Purchase)
• 16 GB RAM
• 512 GB Hard Drive

Yes, you can purchase any model of Mac laptop, as long as it meets the minimum requirements. Upper School students are required to bring a Mac laptop computer to school that meet the above requirements.

No. At this time, the MacBook Neo does not meet the minimum requirements for the laptop program. 

Cost Advantage: Colorado Academy buys computers in bulk, so the same model typically costs less through the school than buying directly from Apple.

• Identical Hardware: The only difference is the box—hardware and specs are the same.
• No Pre‑Setup: Devices purchased from the school arrive untouched; no additional software is installed and no setup is performed.

4‑Year AppleCare+ for Schools:

• Included automatically with each school‑purchased computer.
• Covers up to two accidental‑damage incidents per year with no service fees.
• Additional repairs are billed at Apple’s quoted cost.
• Colorado Academy can usually handle support and repair processing directly.

No Custom Options: School‑purchased models can’t be customized (storage, screen size, MacBook Pro, etc.). If you need a different configuration, you should buy directly from Apple or another authorized reseller.

Entering Ninth Grade families may start ordering laptops from Colorado Academy using this link beginning in February. Ordering is available through May 1.

If you purchase from the school, laptops will be available by New Student Orientation in August. Students will receive their laptops and Colorado Academy-specific training on how to use the laptops during orientation.

Only students in Ninth Grade or new to Colorado Academy in the Upper School can purchase a laptop from Colorado Academy.

No, all Upper School students must bring a Mac laptop to school so that teachers can reasonably assume that all students have access to a universal set of tools and capabilities.

Colorado Academy does not install any additional software or provide any additional configuration on devices purchased from the school. The preinstalled software is the same as if purchased directly from Apple.

There is no special setup required for computers. Apple has documentation that will guide students through the initial setup process and provides tutorials for users new to Mac computers.

We recommend that all students install Google Drive and Google Chrome. There will be additional details provided during New Student Orientation.

Software that does not meet the requirements of the Colorado Academy Technology Acceptable Use Policy may not be used or run while on the CA campus.

The frequency of technology use depends on several factors, including your students’ personal preferences, specific classes, the availability of digital textbooks for their class, and class activities.

The Colorado Academy network provides content filtering customized to each division to help prevent access to inappropriate material and resources. Colorado Academy only provides content filtering on the school network. Responsible use and content filtering while students are off campus is the responsibility of the family. We recommend regular conversations at home about your family rules and expectations.

If you have purchased your laptop from Colorado Academy, AppleCare+ is included with your laptop. In most cases, the school can assist with repairing or sending your computer to Apple for repair. AppleCare+ for Schools includes up to two instances of accidental damage coverage per year with no additional service fees. Additional repairs will be at cost (as quoted by Apple). You may also choose to take your computer directly to the Apple store.

Please note: If you do not purchase your laptop from CA, you are responsible for coordinating repairs with your authorized vendor, such as the Apple Store. Colorado Academy strongly recommends purchasing AppleCare+ coverage to insure against accidental damage and component failures.

Even if you purchased your laptop from Colorado Academy, you can take it to the Apple store for repair.

If you purchase your own laptop and have a valid AppleCare+ support contract, you may also take your computer to the Apple store.

Loaner devices are available on a time-limited basis to allow for computer repairs. Loaner devices may only provide access to the Internet, Google Workspace, and email. These devices may not have the same functionality as a Mac laptop.

Yes. Financial assistance may be available to families who receive tuition assistance. Please contact Erin Phillips in the Financial Aid Office for additional information.

Please contact the CA Technology Department at help@coloradoacademy.org.