Technology at Belmont Hill

Overview

Technology and innovation play an integral role in the work that our students do both on campus and at home. Each day, students rely on a range of applications in their classes to access course content and to master important skills.

Belmont Hill teachers develop innovative course work that regularly requires students to use technology as a tool with which to research, create, analyze, and communicate. As part of our curriculum, students grow to understand their responsibilities as digital citizens, gain confidence in using technology, and learn how both in-person and electronic communication are essential to being part of our community and the larger world.

School Perspective on Use of Technology

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Belmont Hill’s BYOD program requires students to bring a device to campus each day. The program requires families to purchase the device that both fulfills the program’s requirements, detailed in the BYOD document on this page, and that they think is most appropriate for their son. Each family is responsible for the maintenance of their son’s device.

Financial Aid
All families who receive Financial Aid will receive sufficient financial support to purchase a quality device.

Device Recommendations
Director of Academic Technology Mike Curran and Director of Information Technology Dan Butler have established the standards for acceptable devices, which can be found on the right of this page under BYOD Guidelines. Please consult with Mr. Curran at curran@belmonthill.org or Mr. Butler at butler@belmonthill.org if you have any additional questions regarding the School's BYOD requirements or recommendations.

Technology at Belmont Hill FAQs

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

Q. Why does Belmont Hill require students to have a laptop?

Students are required to have a laptop because they will use it throughout their day to complete work both in class and outside of class.
Q. What software does Belmont Hill require?

The School requires students to have both Google Suite, which is available for free online, and Microsoft Office, which the School provides to students while they are at school at no cost.
Q. Do I need to purchase a new laptop?

Not necessarily. If your current laptop has an updated operating system, can run current versions of Microsoft Office, and has the ability to connect to the School's wireless network then that laptop will suffice. For specific device requirements, please see the BYOD Guidelines, which can be found on the right of this page.
Q. Will I be able to purchase software through the School?

The school supplies students access to Microsoft Office and other additional, department-specific software required during their time at Belmont Hill.
Q. Do I need different software for different classes?

Yes. Several classes require students to purchase specific software to support the curriculum, which is similar to how students would purchase a textbook or other study resource.
Q. Will I be able to purchase my computer through the School?

No. Families need to purchase their son’s device directly from a retailer.
Q. Should I get the extended warranty for my computer?

Yes. We recommend purchasing an extended warranty for your son’s device. Most manufacturers offer an extended warranty. Please ask the salesperson at the time of purchase.
Q. Will financial aid support computer purchases?

Yes. The cost of a new laptop has been carefully built into financial aid calculations and awards for all financial aid families.
Q. Will I be able to use a tablet or iPad instead of a laptop?

Not at this time. Please see the laptop recommendations for more info.
Q. Will there be technical support for student laptops?

Yes. The IT department will help with troubleshooting of computer issues. The IT department cannot repair hardware or install software on non-school owned equipment, but we can help guide you to find a solution to a technology issue.