Mater Dei's iPad Program
Every student and teaching faculty member at Mater Dei utilizes an Apple iPad, a device that enhances our students' learning and overall educational experience, and prepares them for college and beyond.
Mater Dei integrates the iPad into our music, theatre, choral and visual arts programs, as well as our many extracurricular programs. Not only is the iPad a formidable tool in advancing learning, but it also makes the classroom experience more dynamic and engaging for our students.
Mater Dei remains committed to providing its students with the best education possible, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they will need both now and in the future.
iPad Lifecycle
The iPad is refreshed every two years for students to ensure the most current technology is being used in the classroom. Starting in the Fall of 2025, students will receive a new device as an incoming Freshman or rising Junior student, and keep their device until the end of their Sophomore year or Senior year, respectively. New transfer students will also receive a device when they begin at Mater Dei, and will follow the refresh cycle that applies to their grade level. The iPad is not available for purchase by students at the end of the two year cycle.
iPad Distribution
As a Freshman, or during a refresh year, students will receive their Apple iPad just prior to the first day of school.
2025-2026 School Year Distribution
- Incoming 9th grade students, new transfers, and rising 11th grade students (class of 2027) will receive their device during MD Days.
- Students who are unable to attend MD Days can pick up their iPad during Monarch Connection, Monarch Traditions, Transfer Orientation or on their first day of school.
- Students are issued a 10th or 11th Gen. iPad, Logitech keyboard case, and USB-C charger (all of which must be returned at the end of the lease term).
- Mater Dei does not provide an Apple Pencil or other stylus for students to use. The student iPads are compatible with the First Generation Apple Pencil (which requires an adapter for connecting and charging) and the USB-C Apple Pencil. Students may also use any other stylus that is compatible; they are not required to purchase an Apple Pencil.
iPad Repairs
Each student is responsible for the safe keeping of their Mater Dei iPad, but the devices are equipped with AppleCare to cover accidental damage when it might occur. The technology fee paid annually helps cover the cost of one incident per school year. It is the student's responsibility to bring their device to the tech hub for repair when it is damaged. More information on the use policy for the iPad is available in the Parent/Student Handbook.
At the end of the school year, Senior and Sophomore students will return their iPad, keyboard case, and charger. At this time, students are responsible for backing up and saving any important documents on the iPad for future use. Seniors must return the iPad to receive their graduation materials; sophomores will return the iPad after their last final for the school year. Sophomore students who need an iPad for one or more Summer School classes will have the opportunity to loan one for the summer through the Tech Hub.
Any Freshman or Junior students who are not returning for the following school year must also turn in their iPad, keyboard case, and charger at the end of the year.
Student Restrictions on the iPad
While it may be tempting to download apps for personal use, it is important to remember that the device is for educational purposes only. As such, Mater Dei utilizes a Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform, Jamf School, to manage the iPad and restrict the use of unapproved applications or other content on the iPad. Jamf School also manages student wifi access at school, and is used in the classroom to assist teachers with managing devices during class.
Because apps are restricted to an approved list, students are encouraged to use the Jamf School Student app, which is automatically installed on every device, to download apps for their iPad. If there is an educational app that a student would like to have access to on the iPad, it must be approved through the proper channels. To start this process, students can make an app request. The app will be reviewed by the Technology department and Administration, and any approved apps will be added to the approved app list.
Managed Apple ID
Starting with the 2021-2022 School Year, Mater Dei will be managing the Apple IDs provided to students to use on their Mater Dei iPad. This allows Mater Dei to provide better support for students when there is a problem with their iPad or Apple ID. Students receive 200GB of iCloud storage with their new Apple ID, opposed to 5GB provided previously for a personal Apple ID. This also means that any apps or books used for classes at Mater Dei are ultimately owned by the school, and students will not have access to these items after graduation (or if they withdraw).
Having trouble with your Apple ID or iPad? See the Tech Hub for support, located inside the library.