Technology Needs
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Gunston operates a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. We believe that learning on a personalized laptop helps students develop genuine technical fluency, preparing them to be productive, responsible digital citizens both inside and outside the classroom.
To ensure compatibility with our campus network, academic software, and specialized STEM programs, all student devices must meet the following school requirements.
Minimum System Specifications
Before purchasing or bringing a device to campus, please ensure it meets or exceeds these baseline standards:
| Component | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 or macOS (Latest Version) | Windows 11 or macOS |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5 (12th Gen or newer) / Core 5 / Core Ultra 5, AMD Ryzen 5, or Apple Silicon (A-Series or M-Series) | Intel Core i7 (13th Gen or newer) / Core Ultra 7, AMD Ryzen 7, or Apple Silicon (A-Series or M-Series) |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB Solid State Drive (SSD) | 512 GB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Screen Size | 13-inch or greater | 15-inch |
Approved & Supported Devices
The vast majority of Gunston students use Apple MacBooks, while students heavily involved in the sciences and engineering often prefer Windows-based devices.
- Recommended Mac Devices: MacBook Air, MacBook Neo, MacBook Pro
- Recommended Windows Brands: Acer (Aspire AI or Swift series), Lenovo (ThinkPad T/X/P Series or Yoga), Dell (XPS or Inspiron), HP (OmniBook or EliteBook), ASUS (Vivobook or Zenbook)
Incompatible & Unsupported Devices
The following devices cannot support the required academic software, printing networks, or advanced coursework at Gunston and are not permitted as a primary school device:
- Chromebooks (Highly limited and incompatible with campus network configurations)
- iPads & Tablets (Including iPad Pro and Android tablets)
- Handhelds or Mini-Laptops
- Devices with detachable/flexible keyboards (Due to durability and screen stability issues in a classroom setting)
Classroom Cell Phone Policy: "Phone Parking"
While we encourage technical fluency through our laptop BYOD program, Gunston maintains a strict distraction-free classroom environment.
- The Rule: Cell phones are not permitted to be used, held, or kept on a student's person during academic classes.
- The Practice: Upon entering any classroom, students are required to "park" their cell phone in a designated, secure hanging organizer located right inside the classroom door.
- The Goal: Phones remain safely parked for the duration of the period, allowing students to fully focus on peer collaboration, faculty instruction, and deep learning without digital notifications. Students retrieve their devices at the end of the class period.