Student Laptop Specification Recommendations
K-4 – Students do not need any technology from home.
Grade 5: Tablet with Keyboard, Laptop, or Chromebook. If your child is in fifth grade and this will be the first device you purchase, please opt for a laptop rather than a Chromebook. They will have outgrown a Chromebook by the time they reach Middle School. Chromebooks are only recommended if you buy a device for the first time in the third or fourth grade.
Upper and Middle School: Students are required to have a laptop to administer online standardized testing (CTP and AAPL) and College Board testing (PSAT and most AP exams). Personally-owned Chromebooks will no longer support the standardized testing platforms Epiphany uses. Windows laptops work best with our system; they are considerably less expensive and less distracting than Mac laptops, which now support the same games and apps as the iPhone.
**All students taking an AP class starting in the 2025-26 school year are required to have a laptop to participate in the class. ****
Recommendation: Although you may purchase or bring any brand of laptop, the school is partnering with LaptopSchools and Lenovo to provide recommended Lenovo laptops that will meet your child’s needs.
LaptopsSchools is offering two models for our students with the following listed items:
- Order devices online at https://TESGS.laptopschools.com
- Models in stock now can be picked up from the Tech Office immediately upon purchase
- Devices are discounted through the purchase site
- Ability to finance through the site
- Excellent warranty for a 3.5 or 4.5 years (parent selects length)
- Unlimited accidental damage protection for the same period chosen
- Optional “Snap-On” Case for added protection.
- The tech office Help Desk at school will assist in getting devices repaired through the Lenovo partnership, helping to keep students up and running and making it seamless for parents.
If you choose to purchase your device at a location other than ours, please follow the recommendations below when selecting one.
Minimum Specifications:
- Windows 11 or Mac Laptop (LaptopSchools/Windows 11 Recommended)
- 128GB Solid State Drive (256GB Recommended)
- 8GB RAM (16GB Recommended)
- Must have a virus protection program installed and activated (Windows Defender is adequate as long as it is turned on)
- Accidental Damage Warranty (Lenovo/LaptopSchools Recommended)
- Ensure your child’s laptop is protected against drops, spills, and other potential damage. (Please research the process for repair, max number of breaks allowed, average delay & deductible if applicable)
- Enable location services (without tracking) since students often misplace their devices.
If you are an Apple user, any of the MacBooks are fine. Please keep the OS updated, as it may experience issues connecting to the school system. We do experience random issues with Macs, as our infrastructure is a Windows environment. Also, please ensure that “Find My” is enabled and that the correct Apple ID is logged in for locating purposes in case of loss.