After a number of years where Seattle Prep utilized the iPad as its One-to-One Program device, the school decided to move to the Microsoft Surface Pro. Effective August 2017 the school integrated the Microsoft Surface as its common device. Please click here to read the announcement communication for this transition sent in the spring of 2016.

Brief Summary: The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 has a 12.3" screen and a standard, back-lit keyboard. The device converts into a tablet for ease of e-text reading and assignments requiring a stylus (pen). The device has both touch-screen (finger) and stylus (pen) capabilities. The device runs on a Windows 11 operating system and will have up to 10 hours of battery life.

Detailed Specs: Intel Core i5 Processor 8GB RAM, 128GB hard drive, Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)Bluetooth^®4.0 technology 10-hour battery life, 720p Camera, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 Pro Operating System, and Seattle Prep’s custom software image.

There are many advantages to requiring a standardized device for all students. This allows students to seamlessly utilize all school-required software. Students will work with a standard device that effectively supports Seattle Prep’s curriculum and positively impacts student learning. Additionally, the school can more effectively support and maintain common devices, provide the devices at a lower cost to families (due to volume purchase discounts), and provide Accidental Damage Protection for 48 months to cover drops and breakage. Any additional laptop/device a student might wish to use on the Prep campus must have the written approval of the Director of Information Technology.

Members of the Class of 2027 will be issued a Microsoft Surface Pro 9 in August 2023 as the required device for our One-to-One Program.

The cost of the device will be $1,820. This includes a type cover keyboard, stylus, software, and accidental damage protection. Student enrollment / re-enrollment contracts will provide an option to purchase the device in one payment or to divide the cost over ten payments using our FACTS tuition management system.

Until you have paid for your student’s MS Surface in full, the MS Surface is considered a “loaner” from Seattle Prep. If your student leaves Prep at any time before that full payment occurs, one of the following will happen.

1. After officially withdrawing from Prep, you agree to pay the balance owed on the MS Surface in order to retain ownership of the device.
2. Or, after officially withdrawing from Prep, you agree to return the MS Surface in good working condition to the Prep Technology department and forfeit any payments that have been made. If the MS Surface is not in good working condition, you are required to pay the balance in full.

Those families with demonstrated financial need will receive assistance for the purchase of the device. Financial aid for the devices will be reflected in the student enrollment / re-enrollment contracts that families will receive this spring. Assistance for the One-to-One Program will be proportionate to the assistance families receive for tuition. Questions about financial aid should be directed to Sue Dmitriev at 206-577-2138 or Veronica Asui at 206-577-2139.

Families that already own a Surface Pro that meets the minimum specifications do not need to purchase an additional device. However, devices will need to be approved by the Technology Department and families must coordinate a time to image the device with necessary student software. Approval should be requested before the enrollment / re-enrollment deadline. Questions, or requests for approval, should be emailed to Phil Dietrich.

The Surface Pro, purchased through Seattle Prep, includes extended warranty coverage and extended accidental damage protection. The Surface Pro devices will be protected at no additional cost for most warranty and damage incidences for 48 months with a limit of TWO replacements.  The detachable keyboard is covered for the first 12 months, as is the digital pen and power adapter. All devices that are damaged or in need of repair should first be taken to the school’s Help Desk located in the McKay Library. If questions, email the help desk here. Repeated damage incidents may exceed the annual accidental damage coverage and result in some out-of-pocket expenses by the family.

Lost or stolen devices are not covered under the Accidental Damage Protection provided with the devices. Lost or stolen devices may be covered by family homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies.

One of the many reasons Seattle Prep selected the Surface was because it gives teachers the ability to manage student use in the classroom. We believe that the classroom management software available on the Windows platform will help reduce classroom distractions.

Microsoft Office Professional, Microsoft Office 365/OneDrive/Outlook e-mail, Windows 10, Sway, Skype, Office Lens, Microsoft Learning Tools for Office, and Windows Defender Anti-virus.

It is critical that students assume responsibility for saving their work appropriately. Students at Seattle Prep will be trained to use cloud-based Microsoft Office 365 to ensure back-up of their files. They will be led through a process of configuring Microsoft Office 365 during a technology orientation.

Devices will be distributed to freshmen in August 2023, prior to the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Students will receive an orientation and training that will include operating the device as well as various functions such as the configuration of Office 365, the access and navigation of electronic textbooks, the use of school-installed software, and the importance of following school policies.