Family Owned Laptops

Table of Contents 

If your child already has an Apple or Windows laptop, this is not a problem! We can support your child’s computer if it meets the minimum specifications shared below.

This page contains information for families considering using a laptop they already have for their child’s entry into the 1-to-1 laptop program and the minimum specifications required.

  1. After reading the information on this page, visit the Drop-Off Procedure for iPads and Laptops page for additional instructions.
  2. If you want to purchase your child’s laptop, visit the Laptop Purchase Program page.

Video & Presentation

Below, you can watch a video with information on the 1-to-1 Program and a presentation shared with parents.

We Already Have a Laptop, Can We Use This?

The Secondary School 1-to-1 laptop program covers Grades 6 to 12. A well-taken care-of laptop will support your child for three to four years. For families with an existing laptop, you might consider having your child use it for school. However, there are minimum requirements and specifications that it must meet to ensure it can support your child and the work they will do.

Requirements and Specifications

Laptop

  • Age: The laptop should be less than two years old from the start of the school year. For example, if your child is entering Grade 6 in August 2025, the laptop needs to have been purchased on or after August 2023.
  • CPU: 
    • Apple computer: M1 chip or newer.
    • Windows computer: iCore 5 GHz or faster.
  • RAM/Memory: 8GB of memory minimum.
  • Storage (Hard drive): 256GB of storage space or larger.
  • Screen size: 13″ to 14″ screen size is best. Larger 16″ screens are OK but are heavier to carry.
  • Administration Rights:
    • Either the parent or the child must have administrator rights on the computer. This is so updates and software can be installed and changes to the system can be made.
    • If your child does not have admin rights, a parent needs to be available to assist the child or the IT staff in making changes to the computer.
    • If you need additional assistance, please contact EdTech at [email protected].
  • Operating System (OS): please ensure you have the minimum version of the OS with the latest patches/updates installed.
    • Apple computers: macOS 14.x (Sonoma)
    • Windows computers: Windows 11.x

Required Software

Your child must be able to install and update the following software.

  • Apple Software: Both programs are available for free from the Apple App Store.
    • iMovie: This is a video editing program
    • GarageBand: This is an audio editing program.
  • Windows Software: Both programs are available for free from the Windows App Store.
    • ClipChamp: This is a video editing program.
    • Audacity: This is an audio editing program.

Optional Software

  • Antivirus: For Windows computers, we recommend installing an antivirus software of your choice. Norton Antivirus is a good choice. It has both antivirus protection and family protection and management features built into the software, which can be beneficial.
  • Microsoft Office: You are not required to purchase MS Office, but if you already have a family license, please install it. Your child can install this as part of their school package if you do not.
  • Adobe (Photoshop, Premiere, Indesign…): Some students want to explore graphic design. If they are interested in this, you can purchase a Student Edition of Adobe Creative Cloud from Senco-Masslink and their online store.

Apple and Apple App Store Account for Your Child

If your child is using an Apple computer, they must have their own Apple App Store account for Apple computers. Create this account using a personal email address, NOT your child’s ISF student email address. 

The Apple App Store account lets your child download and install software and macOS updates. This ensures your child’s laptop works, has the software needed and is compatible with all tools used at The ISF.

We strongly recommend that your child’s Apple App Store account be part of a managed Family Account. This gives you, the parent, control over what your child installs. Click here to view instructions on how to set up a Family Account.

Accessories

  • Headphones. Your child will be listening to video and audio files and having headphones is important.

Drop-Off Procedure for Your Laptop

After reading the information on this page, please also read the information on the page: Drop-Off Procedure for iPads and Laptops.