Technology

List of 19 frequently asked questions.

• Q: Why is Walsh Jesuit switching from iPad to MacBook Neo?

  We narrowed down the device options for our student 1:1 device program to the iPad and the new MacBook Neo as the two best options. The devices were then compared to each other as in the table below.  While the iPad was superior to the MacBook Neo in a couple categories, we ultimately felt that the MacBook Neo gave us the best combination of hardware, software and manageability and will best prepare our students for their time after Walsh Jesuit.

  	MacBook Neo		iPad
  Display Size	13"	ü	11"
  Processor	A18 Pro	ü	A16
  Memory	8 GB	ü	6 GB
  Storage	256 GB	ü	128 GB
  Operating System	MacOS	ü	iPadOS
  Software Support	Full	ü	Some
  Webcam	1080p		12 MP	ü
  Rear Camera	None		12 MP Wide	ü
  Touchscreen/Stylus	None		Yes	ü
  Keyboard	Physical	ü	Folio Cover
  Battery Life	~16 Hours	ü	10-12 hours
  Ports	2 USB-C, Headphone	ü	1 USB-C
  WiFi	6E	ü	6

• Q: Why not a Chromebook?

  While Chromebooks are inexpensive and easy to manage, most complex applications cannot run on a Chromebook.  Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc, will only use the stripped-down web versions because ChromeOS is browser based.  While that functionality works for some situations, it will not prepare our students for life in college and their careers, where they will be expected to know full applications and operating systems.

• Q: Why not a Windows laptop?

  We considered a Windows laptop for our student device program, but could not find one with the same level of affordability, manageability and battery life that Apple offers.  

• Q: Why is a laptop preferred to a tablet?

  A physically attached keyboard eliminates the potential for connection issues.  The keyboard on the Neo is also larger than on an iPad and therefore easier to type on.  Some standardized tests require a physical keyboard and won't work with the Bluetooth style iPad keyboards.  

• Q: Who will own the MacBook Neos?

  Walsh Jesuit will own all the devices until such time as both the lease-to-own payments and the student's time at Walsh Jesuit have been completed.

• Q: What is a lease-to-own program and how will it work for the student laptops?

  A lease-to-own program is a rental agreement that allows students to possess and use a laptop immediately and obtain ownership after making required payments over time.

• Q: How will families be charged the Technology fee?

  Families with students in the Classes of 2027, 2028, or 2029 may select whether to remain in the lease-to-own program or switch to a lease-only program by filling out a form in MyWJ.  After August 10th, the fees for both programs will be added to FACTS and will have the same payment options as Tuition.  Students from the Class of 2030 and beyond will see the $250 / year Lease-To-Own Technology fee added to their account in FACTS and will also have the same payment options as Tuition.

• Q: Is the technology fee really necessary?

  Unfortunately, yes.  We recognize that it is an increase over the total cost that families previously encountered to purchase an iPad + a keyboard case, but we hope that the combination of splitting it over 4 years, granting flexible payment options, and providing a superior device makes up for the increase.

• Q: What type of financial assistance is available for families?

  If you feel that your family cannot afford the 2026-2027 Technology fee, please reach out to the Financial Aid department.

• Q: What will happen if the device is damaged?

  Every MacBook will come with 4 years of AppleCare+ for schools.  Minor technical issues may be repaired at Walsh Jesuit by our technology staff.  Anything more serious will require the device to be sent to Apple for repairs.  
  
  AppleCare+ for Schools includes up to two incidents per year without incurring an additional fee.  If more than two repairs are needed per year, it will be up to the student's family to cover the costs charged by Apple.

• Q: How will the MacBook Neo be protected?

  Each student MacBook will be physically protected by a case that will be issued by Walsh Jesuit.  The devices and students will also be protected by a suite of security software and filters.

• Q: What technical support is available for students?

  Walsh Jesuit's technology staff will help students with minor issues such as password resets, software issues, etc.  Anything more serious may require the device to be sent to Apple for troubleshooting and repair.  Up to two incidents are included in the AppleCare+ for Schools plan purchased with each device.  Additional incidents' costs will be the responsibility of the student's family.

• Q: What management software will be used?

  Walsh Jesuit will employ a combination of management software. 
  
  There will be MDM (Mobile Device Management) software such as Jamf or Mosyle which will allow Walsh Jesuit to remotely install software and updates and ensure that settings are correct on each device.  
  
  Classroom Management software such as GoGuardian or Securly will also be used to ensure that teachers can control the learning environment such as locking the devices during tests, only allowing use on certain sites, pushing links to students, etc.  Teachers will also be able to see how each device is used during their class periods.
  
  A content filter will also be installed on every device to ensure that inappropriate content is not accessed on Walsh Jesuit devices.  Some additional parental controls such as screen time limits, etc, may be set above and beyond those set by Walsh Jesuit as each family wishes, but the Walsh Jesuit minimum filters and settings must always remain.

• Q: What is the timeline regarding device distribution and training for students?

  With such a large order of MacBook Neos, the devices are not expected to arrive until mid-summer.  We will communicate further regarding distribution and training in early August.

• Q: Can my student re-use a MacBook Neo from a sibling?

  The short answer is No.  In order to secure our learning environment, all devices used on campus will need to be owned by the school and leased by the student's family.  After a student has graduated and the device has been transferred to their ownership, it cannot be brought back to campus and re-used by a sibling as Walsh Jesuit would no longer own and manage it.

• Q: Can students still use their previously purchased iPads?

  Students may continue to use their iPads at home.  iPads may not be brought to school.  The only devices students will be permitted to use at Walsh Jesuit will be the new, school owned and managed MacBook Neo laptops.

• Q: Will students be allowed to bring the MacBook Neo home?

  Yes, the MacBooks will be available to the students at home as well as at school, and they SHOULD bring them home to charge them daily.

• Q: What if a students leaves Walsh Jesuit before graduating?

  If a student ends their time at Walsh Jesuit before they have completed all lease-to-own payments, a buyout amount will be calculated.  If the student/family wishes to keep the device, they will need to pay the buyout amount.

• Q: Who should I contact with questions?

  Any questions regarding the Student Device program at Walsh Jesuit may be directed to Robby Maher, Director of Technology by email: maherr@walshjesuit.org or phone: 330.929.4205 ext. 156