Bring Your Own Device - Laptop Requirements

As part of our school BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program, all Dubai American Academy students in Grades 6-12 are required to bring a laptop to school daily.

Dubai American Academy is pleased to announce that our Elementary school is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School Grades (K – 5) for its continuous innovation in teaching and learning. Elementary students are loaned an iPad by the school and do not need to bring their own device.  

For parents of students entering Grades 6-12, who have not yet purchased a laptop, we highly encourage you to purchase a MacBook Device so there is continuity in the use of Apple technologies (specification listed in the table below). We being an Apple Distinguished School highly encourage the students to use Apple devices. Being in Apple's ecosystem, will help the students enhance the collaboration and productivity.

If you have already purchased a PC laptop, this is still applicable to the BYOD program and your child’s learning will not be disadvantaged. We have a number of iPad carts available for student and class use.

For Students Who Already Have a Laptop

If you already own a laptop please answer the following questions:

1. If my laptop is a MacBook, it has Mac OS 10.15.7 or higher, in English.

2. If my laptop is a Windows laptop, it has Windows 10 Version 1901 or higher, in English.

3. My laptop is not older than 3 years.

4. My laptop has at least 4GB of RAM (Preferably 8 GB RAM).

5. My laptop has a 3 to 4 hour battery life.

6. My laptop has working WiFi which supports 2.4Ghz/5GHz Frequency

Accessories: 1 set of inexpensive headphones (mobile phone earbud sets are fine)

If you answered ‘YES’ to all these questions you do NOT need a new laptop.

For students who need a new laptop, please find our recommendations below.

MacBook Pro

Apple M1 or M2 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU

8GB Memory

268GB SSD storage

Retina display with True Tone

MacBook Air

Apple M1 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 7-Core GPU

8GB Memory

256GB SSD Storage

Retina display with True Tone

School discounts 

Our Apple-approved vendor, JTRS will be able to assist you with your purchase. JTRS also provides trade-in options for old Macbooks. Please click the flyer and E-Store Guide for details.