Chromebook & Laptop Information

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Chromebook & Laptop Information

List of 2 items.

Middle School Chromebooks

Fifth grade students use school-issued Chromebooks that are individually assigned to students. The Chromebooks stay at school for the 1st quarter and during breaks. Tech fee $75.

Sixth grade students receive their Middle School Chromebooks at the beginning of the academic year. These Chromebooks are leased to the students for three years. There is a tech fee of $75 and an annual Chromebook lease fee of $250 for these devices.

NEW seventh and eighth grade students are provided with their leased laptops during the first week of school.

Each summer, middle school Chromebooks and laptops are collected for upgrades and maintenance. The devices are redistributed at the beginning of the academic year.
Upper School Laptops
Greensboro Day School Upper School has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Please see below for additional details and minimum specifications.

All returning rising seniors are encouraged to bring their school laptops purchased in 9th grade. Tech Fee: $75

All ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders as well as all students who are new to the Upper School should bring their own device (see below for specifications). No tech fee is required, and no tech support is provided for BYOD.

Students should bring their laptops and power cords on the first day of school in working order.

Minimum specifications for BYOD laptops:
- Laptop computer (not a tablet)
- Must be able to run all features of the Google Chrome web browser
- Battery life of at least four hours
- Processor: Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5 Series, M1
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB minimum
- Operating Systems:
  - Microsoft Windows 10 or 11
  - MacOS 11 (Big Sur or newer)
  - ChromeOS
- Hard Disk Drive: 128 GB or greater SSD preferred
- Display: 12 inches or larger
  - 1920 x 1080 resolution or better
  - HDMI output or adapter/dongle
- Audio: Built-in audio capabilities
  - Speaker
  - Microphone
- Camera: webcam
- Communication devices:
  - Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax compliant)
  - Bluetooth 4.2 /5.0
- Expansion Ports: Two USB 3.0 and/or USB-C
- Anti-virus anti-malware Software:
  - None needed. Windows and MacOS include protection
- Accessories:
  - Protective sleeve or case for the laptop
  - Power adapter to keep at school

Upper School Laptop FAQs

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

Q: Does my child have to take a laptop to school every day?

Yes, a laptop is required every day.
Q: Do I have to buy a new device or can my child use one that we already own?

You do not have to buy a new laptop as long as the one that you already have meets the minimum specifications.
Q: What’s the best laptop?

The best laptop is the one that the student feels most comfortable with as long as it meets the minimum specifications.
Q: Other than the minimum specifications what else should I consider when purchasing a laptop?

You should consider price, battery life, warranty, durability, expected length of use, and portability.
Q: What happens if my child’s laptop breaks?

The GDS Tech Team will assist students as much as possible. The Tech Team will assist the students to use Google Suite, Jump Cloud, myGDS, and Paper Cut and will troubleshoot a simple malfunction or Wi-Fi connectivity, change operating system settings as needed, and teach students how to perform a certain task on the laptop. However, the Tech Team cannot repair hardware. This is the student’s responsibility. If the device breaks or is damaged, families are responsible to get it repaired. We highly recommend purchasing an extended warranty to help defray the expenses.
Q: What does my child do when we have to send their laptop to be repaired?

The Tech team will have a loaner available for students who are without their laptop. We have a certain number of loaners so we have a check-out policy and expect a timely return.
Q: Do we need to purchase Microsoft Office?

No, GDS has an Educational License for Microsoft Office 365 and Student Plus. Office 365 and Student Plus are compatible with any web-enabled device. We will help students download Office 365 and Student Plus during Orientation.
Q: Will the BYOD minimum specification change?

Yes, since technology evolves rapidly, the Tech Team will review the minimum specifications and best use policies every year.

Contact Us

List of 1 members.

Christine "Chrissy" Olson

Director of Educational Technology

At GDS since 1992

Greensboro Day School develops the intellectual, ethical, and interpersonal foundations students need to become constructive contributors to the world.