Upper School

No, the device does not have to be new but must meet the current technical specifications.

The School provides financial support one time for students in grades six through 12 who are either new to TVS or returning but receiving financial aid for the first time.

We recommend that you purchase the type of computer that your child is most comfortable using. All software used at TVS will work on Macs and PCs. iPads and Chromebooks do not meet the minimum specifications.

We strongly recommend that at the time of purchase, you purchase a warranty from the original equipment manufacturer for the device you provide your child. We also recommend that families consider purchasing theft and hazard insurance as warranties typically do not cover abuse, theft, or accidental damage.

An up-to-date anti-virus program that actively scans for malware and viruses is required for all computers. For PCs, the built-in version of Microsoft Defender meets this requirement. For Macs, we recommend Sophos Home or Malwarebytes subscriptions. The free versions of these programs are used for cleanup after an infection while the paid version scans files on-access to prevent infections.

All school-related software, including Microsoft Office, will be provided by TVS.

No. Whether a device is used for any given lesson depends upon each teacher’s learning goal and judgement about the best way to enhance and document the learning that is taking place. Devices are very powerful tools for engaging in scholarly work, but they are not the only tools that TVS teachers use to facilitate active learning.

TVS Technology staff will be happy to look provide assistance with school-related software issues. Beyond school-related software issues, families are responsible for any repair work needed on a student's laptop.  

Loaner devices are available for two weeks while repairs are underway.

These types of devices are small, expensive, and easily resold. We recommend that families check their insurance policies (homeowners or renters) to see if the theft of a device is covered. Some companies also sell separate policies just for laptops. Some devices come pre-loaded with a location-finding application. If a device is stolen or missing, it should be reported to the Upper School Office immediately. We also recommend filing a report with your local law enforcement agency.

Please email Eileen Ford with any additional questions.