Spencer Technology Academy Opts for Refurbished Computers

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The computers in the school's labs had become outdated, so the school leadership looked at the available replacement options.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.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Abstract AI circuit board pattern

    Nonprofit LawZero to Work Toward Safer, Truthful AI

    Turing Award-winning AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has launched LawZero, a nonprofit aimed at developing AI systems that prioritize safety and truthfulness over autonomy.

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • magnifying glass with AI icon in the center

    Google Releases Learning-Themed AI Mode Features for Search

    Ahead of back-to-school season, Google has introduced new AI Mode features in Search, including image and PDF queries on desktop, a Canvas tool for planning, real-time help with Search Live, and Lens integration in Chrome.

  • sunlit classroom with laptops on every desk, each displaying a glowing AI speech bubble icon above the screen

    Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot to Become Available for Teen Students

    This summer, Microsoft is expanding availability of its Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot products for students aged 13 and older. Administrators will be able to grant access for students based on their institution's plans and preferences, the company announced in a blog post.