1:1 Technology Overview
Westlake Christian Academy uses 1:1 technology in grades 1-12 to enhance learning and prepare students for the digital world.
Grades 1–6: Students use school-provided Chromebooks that remain in the classroom. (Note: Students entering 6th grade will have homework assigned via Google Classroom, which requires access to the Chrome browser on a personal Chromebook, laptop, or desktop computer at home.)
Grades 7–12: Students must provide their own Chromebook for daily use at school. All rising 7th graders and any new students entering 8th–12th need to bring their own device.
Choosing the Right Chromebook
All 7th graders and any new students entering 8th–12th must provide their own Chromebook.
While there is no single required brand or model, we highly recommend keeping the following practical factors in mind when purchasing a new device:
- Size & Portability (11.6” to 14”): We recommend models in the 11.6” to 14” range. Smaller sizes (like 11.6”) are highly ideal because they fit much easier into student backpacks compared to larger, bulkier models.
- Durability & Form Factor: Standard, non-touch laptops are strongly recommended. Touchscreen and folding (2-in-1) models have more moving internal parts and tend to break much quicker, making them less durable for daily school life.
- Reliable Brands: Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo are sturdy, reliable brands that have proven to withstand daily school use well.
- Battery Life: Ensure the device has a strong battery capacity capable of lasting a full school day on a single charge.
- Protection: A dedicated carrying case or protective sleeve is highly recommended to guard against accidental drops.
What to Avoid Buying
Please do not purchase any of the following devices for school use:
- Windows Laptops, MacBooks, or iPads (These do not run Chrome OS and cannot be used for daily classwork).
- Chrome Flex Devices
- Used or Refurbished/Renewed Chromebooks (If a device previously had a Google license installed by a past user, our school's management software may not work properly. Additionally, older or used models often approach an expiration date where they will stop receiving vital automatic security updates).
Important: Do NOT Turn On or Set Up the Device at Home
When you purchase your new Chromebook, please leave it in the box and do not turn it on or log into it at home.
- Why? Westlake staff must enroll the new device directly into our Google school management account. This enrollment process automatically deploys the specific software required for classes and establishes our school content filtering to keep students safe online.
- What if it was already turned on? If anyone has already turned on the device and logged into a personal account, don't worry—the Chromebook will automatically be wiped and reset during our school enrollment process.
Registering Your Device
All student Chromebooks must be registered with the school technology department prior to the first day of school. Families may choose one of the following opportunities for registering their device:
- 7th Grade Orientation: Families can bring their new Chromebooks to 7th Grade Orientation. They will be set up that night.
- Back-to-School Night: Stop by the IT table in the gym to have your device registered.
- Drop-Off: If you are unable to register your device during one of the scheduled opportunities, you may leave your Chromebook in the main office. Be sure to clearly label it with the student's name.
Google Management Licenses
- Westlake provides two Google licenses per student, which may be used at any time throughout grades 7–12.
- Every time another Chromebook is enrolled for your student, a new Google license is required.
- If a student needs to enroll more than two Chromebooks over the course of junior high and high school (due to multiple replacements), the family will be charged a fee for the additional Google license(s).
