Laptops and Other Technology

Commonwealth students spend most of their class periods engaged in discussion and debate, listening and reading intently, problem solving and making art, rather than peering into a digital screen. Students may bring their devices to school—but most teachers do not require them to do so. When technology is needed, in school or at home, we offer the following recommendations and policies. 

Please note that parents and guardians are responsible for the cost of these supplies. Incoming students and families with technology grants may purchase a laptop, printer, and related software at an adjusted cost. 

Computers

While Commonwealth does not require families to purchase a specific laptop (or tablet), it is important that students have reliable access to the Internet at home and a computer of some kind.

For families interested in purchasing a laptop, we recommend devices with operating systems that are still supported (currently includes macOS 11 Big Sur or Windows 10 or later) and at least 4GB of RAM (potentially more for students who will be using application suites such as Adobe Creative Cloud for image, sound, and video processing). Home Internet bandwidth speed of at least 3.5 Mbps is also recommended.

The school’s computers and related technology are exclusively Apple products. Laptops are made available to any students in need of them, including those in our computer science classes. Students with a formal computer-use accommodation may use a secure laptop, provided by the school, for tests and exams as needed. 

Please see the school’s Computer and Internet Use Policy in the Parent-Student Handbook for additional information.

Calculators

Commonwealth recommends that all students have a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for science and math coursework, particularly by the time they reach junior year. Other graphing calculators, such as any TI-83 or TI-84, or similar models made by other companies, are acceptable. Before purchasing an alternative calculator to the TI-84 Plus, please check the CollegeBoard’s yearly updated SAT- and AP Exam–approved calculator lists. 

Students should bring their calculators to school, particularly for tests, mid-year and final exams, and AP exams. A very limited supply of calculators is available to loan on a short-term basis.

Email

Commonwealth provides all students with a school email (Gmail) account, which gives them access to the full suite of Google Workspace tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, Calendar, and more. 

Please see the school’s Email and Computer and Internet Use Policies in the Parent-Student Handbook for additional information.

Software

Most Commonwealth assignments do not require special software, and we encourage students to use the Google Workspace tools tied to their email address, which facilitate collaboration and submitting work via Google Classroom (used in most classes). Should a class require a particular piece of software, the school will provide access.

The school can also provide students with licenses to a wide array of Adobe applications (including Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator, and InDesign) that can aid in their classwork and extracurricular activities.