iPad Program

iPad Purchase Information
 
Each student at Santa Clara must have access to an iPad. There is campus-wide Wi-Fi, so there is no need to purchase an iPad with Wi-Fi.  A Wi-Fi + Cellular model is optional and not required.

Digital texts will be available with prices averaging $20. The typical student will spend roughly $120 per year on digital texts. Digital Textbooks will be primarily available through the iBooks store. In a few circumstances, purchases will need to be made through the school if a vendor does not have their text available on the iBooks store. This is most likely to occur in AP courses.

All students must have iPads and books with them on the first day of the school year. Our book list will be published well in advance of the beginning of the school year.

Minimum iPad Requirements

To ensure a smooth and effective learning experience, all students must have an iPad that meets the following minimum requirements:

 

  • Storage: A minimum of 64GB of storage is now required. With the increasing use of digital textbooks, educational apps, and multimedia projects. However, 128GB or higher is strongly recommended to ensure enough space for digital textbooks, projects, and apps throughout the student's high school career.

  • Operating System: As of Fall 2025, the iPad must be capable of running the latest version of the operating system, currently iPadOS 18, to ensure compatibility with all school apps and services.

  • Screen Size: A screen size of at least 10 inches is highly recommended to provide the best experience for reading textbooks and completing assignments. The iPad mini is not recommended.

  • Connectivity: A Wi-Fi-only model is sufficient, as the entire campus is equipped with Wi-Fi. There is no need to purchase a more expensive Wi-Fi + Cellular model.


Required Accessories

  • Protective Case: A durable, shock-absorbent case is mandatory to protect the device from drops and damage. Cases with a built-in keyboard are highly recommended.

  • Keyboard: A physical keyboard (either built into the case or a separate Bluetooth keyboard) is required by most schools for typing assignments and taking notes.

  • Apple Pencil / Stylus (Optional but Recommended): While not always mandatory, an Apple Pencil or a compatible stylus is often recommended for subjects like math, science, and art.

 

Important Information

    • Digital Textbooks: The majority of textbooks will be distributed digitally through the Apple Books store and other platforms.

    • First Day of School: It is crucial that all students have their iPad, accessories, and all required digital books downloaded and ready for the first day of school.



At Santa Clara High School, it is our goal that students will gather the knowledge, skills, and wisdom that will help them to find success in their lives. We are a school clearly designed to prepare our students to not only gain access to college and the workforce but rather to be the best and brightest amongst their peers in their chosen field.

To achieve this goal, we have set forth a set of guiding principles that are called the Expected School-wide Learning Results. Upon graduation, our students will be socially responsible, academically sound, independent thinkers, who are nourished spiritually and are technologically proficient.

In an attempt to stay ahead of these goals and provide students with the absolute best academic experience, we are moving forward with a new textbook and digital learning policy on campus. Our students will use the best tools available to increase their academic prowess and to solidify their technological proficiency.

Students will own the device for personal use and in other academic and professional environments, including college and their career. Students will learn to work at the cutting edge of technology, increasing their proficiency.

There will be many safeguards in place to prevent, to the extent possible, non-academic use of their device while in school.