Saint Francis High School Selects Apple's New iPad for Full-Scale One-to-One Program

Capstone of the school's educational technology initiative

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saint Francis High School is pleased to announce that after two years of extensive research and rigorous device trials, it is partnering with Apple to place 1,800 iPads in the hands of students and teachers for the 2012-2013 school year. This bold one-to-one iPad program is the culmination of the school's comprehensive initiative to improve learning and revolutionize the student experience in and out of the classroom.

"Our Holy Cross mission is to prepare conscientious leaders in the 21st century," said President Kevin Makley. "The one-to-one iPad program echoes our commitment to deliver a student-centered learning experience that reflects today's world. This partnership with Apple puts us right on the leading edge of technology in the classroom. It's exciting for all of us."

The administration and faculty are thrilled with the decision to deploy iPads across the school. "The new iPad will transform the way our teachers teach and our students learn," said Principal Patricia Tennant. "We also see this as a valuable opportunity for our students to become responsible digital citizens in our global community."

"I can't wait to see students engaged and learning in a digital environment that reflects the world in which they are growing up. I also look forward to collaborating with my creative colleagues to integrate the new iPad into our curriculum. The combination of inspiring students and invigorating our faculty will propel education at Saint Francis to the next level," said Matt Maguire, science teacher and member of the school's technology committee.

The program will use the 32GB version of the third generation Apple iPad. Families will not be charged an additional fee for the device. The school will own the iPads and loan them to each student. Faculty will receive their iPads as soon as they are available. Professional development specifically focused on the iPad began this year and will continue throughout the year and beyond. Students will receive their devices at the start of the 2012-2013 school year. There will be a program orientation for students and parents in August.

Rigorous Evaluation Process
For the past two years, the school dedicated significant time and resources to studying solutions that would provide students robust, versatile computing devices, empowering them to learn anywhere, anytime, in any subject. This study included classroom pilot projects in 2010-2011 and one-to-one trials with student and teacher groups in 2011-2012.

To ensure that the research was as thorough as possible, the school conducted head-to-head reviews of several devices including laptops, netbooks, e-readers and other tablets. The results of these trials distinguished the Apple iPad as the most promising device on the market today.

"At Saint Francis, we bring a thoughtful, measured approach to all that we do," reflected Mrs. Tennant. "I am pleased that we followed this proven philosophy in our device evaluation process. We ran every product through comprehensive testing, seeking teacher and student input. We also spoke with schools about their experiences and reviewed the latest research and media coverage of the devices. I am confident that we have selected the best device for our students and our teachers."

Commitment to Educational Technology
"Apple's commitment to education makes them a valuable partner as we continue to innovate and provide an extraordinary high school experience," noted Mr. Makley. "The company's recent announcement about e-textbooks demonstrates their dedication to improving education. I look forward to a day when our students will no longer have to carry 20-pound backpacks to school each day, and I know that the iPad is going to move us in that direction."

The partnership with Apple is a natural extension of Saint Francis High School's long-standing commitment to provide a technology-rich learning environment. The one-to-one iPad program is just one component of the school's comprehensive technology vision. Another integral piece is the Sobrato Family Learning Commons. Opening August 2012, the 30,000 square foot Sobrato Commons, which includes a student center and library/media center, will provide students dynamic spaces to study, collaborate and connect. The center will offer a host of technology resources including PCs, Macs, Google Chromebooks and Kindle e-readers.

The school is also hiring an educational technologist to support teachers with technology-centered curriculum development, undergoing a comprehensive wireless network upgrade, continuing to expand its online communication tools for students, teachers and parents, and rolling out a new computer literacy and Internet safety graduation requirement.

About Saint Francis High School
Founded in 1955 by the Brothers of Holy Cross at the invitation of the Archbishop of San Francisco, Saint Francis High School is a leading coeducational, diverse, Catholic, college preparatory school focused on educating the whole person. With a proven reputation for excellence in academics, athletics, activities and the arts, over 100 faculty members prepare approximately 1,700 Saint Francis students for the rigors of college and the challenges of global citizenship in the enduring Holy Cross tradition. Graduating students attend the finest colleges and universities in the nation with 96% of the 2011 graduates attending a four-year university and 100% attending college. Saint Francis High School is located in Mountain View, Calif., approximately 35 miles south of San Francisco. For more information, visit http://www.sfhs.com.

For more information about the iPad Program, visit the Saint Francis High School iPad Program website: www.sfhs.com/ipad.

SOURCE Saint Francis High School