iPad Purchasing

What - iPad Requirements:

iPads are the primary student device for K-7th Grade used off SBA provided iPad Carts. Some parents purchase iPads to supplement this provision at home.

SBA has a 1:1 Device program in order to keep quality and current technology in the hands of students so they build the experience needed to succeed in life, work and ministry.

iPad Suggested Configuration - All 8th grade students using iPads are required to own an Apple iPad Gen 9 or above with at least 32GB of storage. If possible newly purchased devices should be iPad Current Gen with 64GB of storage.

Where - Places to Buy

Apple.com- They will have the latest and greatest iPad hardware and offer some discounts on purchases students (sometimes K-12 and sometimes Higher Ed).

Good selection of iPads, cases, and accessories
Offer insurance plans and repair services
Easy access online and the best for instock purchasing

Best Buy - Typically have the latest and greatest of iPad hardware but do NOT offer discounts to SBA students. Watch for tax-free weekends.

Good selection of iPads, cases and accessories
Offer Insurance plans and repair services in store
Location - Hamilton Place or Hixson stores

Consider Refurbished Units - For the cost-conscious buyer, consider purchasing a refurbished iPad. With such limited moving parts, iPads have a very long life expectancy and we have seen good performance by refurbs.

Places to Find Refurbished - (Note: since COVID, supplies have been seriously limited!)

- Mac Sales - low price, but can have low supply
- Gazelle - wide variety of products, conditions, and prices
- Apple - Apple certification and warranty included

Case - SBA recommends a military grade case to prevent screen breakage. We recommend the OtterBox, LifeProof or Griffin.

Other Tablets? - Do NOT purchase an Amazon Fire or Kindle Tablet. They do NOT work with Canvas or Google for your student.

IMPORTANT - certain iPads will NOT run the current versions of iOS (i.e iPad Air 1st gen, only through 12.4.9). If this is the case for you, try using the browser version of Google applications (Canvas, Classroom, Drive, etc.) while you are looking to upgrade the iPad.

Note: Although the iPad Mini may run the applications needed for students, we advise against it due to the size limitations for eTextbooks.