Hardware | News

Spencer Technology Academy Opts for Refurbished Computers

• By Leila Meyer
• 04/30/14

Spencer Elementary Technology Academy, one of five technology academies within Chicago Public Schools, has updated its computer labs with refurbished Apple computers.

The computers in the school's labs had become outdated, so the school leadership looked at the available replacement options. Since the school operates within a limited budget, purchasing new Apple computers was out of the question. Ultimately, they decided on refurbished machines from Mac to School.

Mac to School is a company that buys, sells and refurbishes Apple computers and equipment for the K-12 education market. According to the company, by buying refurbished tech from Mac to School, Spencer Technology Academy was able to save more than 50 percent of the purchase cost than if they had purchased directly from Apple.

Mac to School sells refurbished MacBooks, Mac desktops, iPads and Apple accessories. The company also purchases used equipment from schools that want to upgrade their equipment or or offset the cost of new equipment.

According to Tracey Howse, lead technology teacher, the school places high priority on providing students with "high quality educational technology to facilitate their learning," and the school was so impressed with the quality, service and prices from Mac to School that they have placed multiple orders with them since their initial computer lab upgrade.

According to the school's site, Spencer Elementary Technology Academy focuses on math, science and reading education, "while utilizing technology and real life experiences as the means to enhance classroom instruction." The magnet school serves more than 700 students in grades preK-8.

Further information about Mac to School can be found on the company's site.

Schools interested in buying refurbished PCs can turn to the Microsoft Refurbisher Program, which provides a directory of Microsoft registered refurbishers.