Getting Your Student's iPad Ready (New Students, 7th–12th Grade)

Every student in 7th–12th grade needs an iPad. We set it up for school before the year starts. This article covers buying an iPad, using one you already own, and getting it to us.

1. Get an iPad

Option A: Order through VCS. Use the iPad Order Form. Check the form for this year's order deadline. You can request a different case or keyboard color in the comments box.

Option B: Buy it yourself. Any current iPad model works, from an Apple Store, Costco, Walmart, or another store. Most families choose the standard iPad with at least 128 GB of storage. An iPad mini also works if your student is comfortable with the smaller screen.

Whichever you choose, we strongly recommend:

  • A protective case. Most repairs we see are cracked screens.
  • AppleCare+. It makes repairs much cheaper and faster. AppleCare stays with the iPad it was bought for. It doesn't move to a new iPad.
  • An Apple Pencil that works with your iPad model. Check Apple's compatibility list before you buy.

2. Using an iPad you already own

That's fine, as long as it's a current model. Before you bring it in:

  1. Save anything you want to keep, such as photos and files. Erasing the iPad deletes everything.
  2. Sign out of your Apple Account. Open Settings, tap your name at the top, and tap Sign Out.
  3. Erase the iPad. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings.

Coming from another school? If the iPad was managed by your previous school, ask their IT department to release it from their Apple School Manager account. "Unassigned" or "removed from management" isn't enough. We can't set it up until it's released.

3. Bring it to us

  • Brand-new iPad: leave it in the box and don't turn it on or set it up. We'll handle setup.
  • Label it clearly with your student's full name and grade.
  • Drop it off at the Middle School office or the Business office. Drop-off dates and office hours change each year and are listed in the iPad information email we send families each summer.
  • There is a one-time setup fee. This year's amount is listed in the same email. Pay by cash, check, or card at any campus office. If it isn't paid by the start of school, it's added to your student billing account.

4. Pick it up

Configured iPads are returned at the iPad pickup before school starts. Watch your email for this year's dates.

Replacing an iPad your student already uses at VCS?

Drop off the new iPad the same way. Your student keeps using the old one until the new one is ready. Once the new iPad is set up, we release the old one so you can erase it, keep it, or trade it in.

Planning to use Apple's trade-in program? Let us know first. We have to release the old iPad from our system before Apple will accept it.

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