Lease-to-Own MacBook Neo Program
Lease-to-Own MacBook Neo Program
Our community recently shared a clear vision: both families and staff want our high schoolers to utilize professional tools that prepare them for the future. This transition aligns with our Portrait of a Graduate framework, ensuring our students leave DHS as tech-savvy, future-ready leaders. To achieve this, we have decided to phase out Chromebooks at the high school level and introduce a new MacBook Neo Lease-to-Own Program.
With this program, there are annual payments towards the cost and ownership of the device. Upon graduation, there will be a final payment and the device will be released to you. Please review the checklist below for the steps on how to get started.
☐ Step 1: Review the Device and 1:1 Program Information
First, please review the MacBook Neo Device Information and FAQs and the 2026-27 Lease Agreement Form.
For additional details about this program, please see the Program FAQs at the end of this page.
☐ Step 2: Confirm Your Student’s Eligibility
Identify your student’s grade level for the 2026-27 school year.
9th Grade (Class of 2030):
Your student will choose either the Lease-to-Own program or continue with the Chromebook program, picking up a Chromebook device at the beginning of the 26-27 school year. Non-participant guidelines are outlined below. If you choose not to join the program now, your next opportunity will be during the lease cycle for the next school year.
10th, 11th & 12th Grade (Class of 2029, 2028, 2027):
Your student may keep their current Chromebook OR opt-in to the Mac Neo Lease-to-Own program. Please note that opt-in students must have their lease paid in full by their graduation date, following an alternate payment schedule.
Non-Participant Guidelines
Students who do not participate in the Lease-to-Own MacBook program are required to use a school-issued Chromebook. Personal home devices are not permitted for school use. A $35 annual Chromebook insurance fee is required for all school-issued Chromebooks. Our long-term goal is to transition all students to MacBook Neos over time, starting with this initial phased rollout.
☐ Step 3: Complete Registration
Complete the 2026-27 Lease-to-Own Registration Form by June 23, 2026. The form will close at the end of this day. We would appreciate if you could complete the form whether or not you plan to participate in the lease program, as this helps us get a final headcount.
☐ Step 4: Secure Your Device (Payment or Scholarship)
Submit your initial payment or scholarship.
Standard Payment: Please see the payment schedule below. Please note that this schedule listed below is for the Class of 2030. If your student is in a different graduating class, your payment schedule can be found on page 4 of the 2026-27 Lease Agreement Form.
How to Pay:
- Online via eFunds: To pay online on eFunds, please navigate to the “Pay for Optional Fees” folder, select “Lease-to-Own MacBook Neo,” input the correct dollar amount, and add it to your cart.
- In-Person: Check or money order payable to Danvers Public Schools.
Scholarship Option: Scholarships provide assistance to families that meet the financial requirements. A scholarship is granted through the district financial waiver process. You must qualify each year. A scholarship, if awarded, will reduce the family cost of the device by 50% or provide a full waiver of costs. A device provided by the district will not be released to the student and will remain the property of the district.
Dates of Payments | Amount | |
| Year 1 | August 2026; Payment due by device pickup. | $165.00 |
Year 2 | October 1, 2027 | $165.00 |
Year 3 | October 1, 2028 | $165.00 |
Year 4 | October 1, 2029 | $165.00 |
| June 1, 2030; Buyout Fee | $100.00 |
What does the annual lease payment include?
We provide an exclusive 4-year AppleCare+ warranty for education purchasing. The warranty covers all standard repairs and two accidental incidents per 12-month period from the computer’s purchase date. Common examples of incidents include cracked screens, keyboard damage, and liquid damage. Unlike the Apple store warranty, we do not charge a service fee, so there will be no additional cost for repairs. All repairs will be processed through the DHS Library Technology Office. Warranty Note: The school district has no control over what is accepted or not accepted under AppleCare+ warranty. This is the discretion of Apple.
☐ Device Pick-Up
Please note the following:
Lease Agreement: Please review the 2026-27 Lease Agreement Form ahead of time. You will need to either bring a signed, printed copy of the last page with you or complete it during pickup.
Pickup Requirements: Please note that laptops will only be distributed to students who have registered for the program, have signed the lease agreement, and have made their initial payment. At the pickup, students will learn how to care for and sign into their device.
Device Pick-Up Schedule in the DHS Atrium
- Wednesday August 26th, 2026 from 11 am – 1pm
- Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 from 3pm – 5pm
Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I go out and buy my own MacBook? Wouldn’t this be a better deal?
Devices are required to be managed through the district and must be purchased through the program. We have done cost comparisons and believe that with all you get over the 4 years in terms of “add-ons” and a 4 year warranty our lease program is a good deal that costs less than if you bought it directly from the Apple Store.
| Feature | School Program (Lease-to-Own) | Standard Consumer Pricing |
| MacBook Neo Base Cost | $494 per device (School Purchase Price) | $599 per device (No Apple Discount available for K-12) |
| AppleCare+ Type | AppleCare+ for Schools (No Service Fees) | Standard Consumer AppleCare+ (with Service fees) |
| Coverage Cost and Duration | $159 for 4 Years | $49.99 per year until cancelled |
| Accidental Damage Limit | Up to 2 incidents per year | Unlimited incidents |
| Screen Damage Fee | $0 (No service fees) | $49 per incident |
| External Enclosure Fee | $0 (No service fees) | $49 per incident |
| Other Accidental Damage Fee | $0 (No service fees) | $149 per incident |
| Battery Service Fee | $0 (If under 80% capacity) | $0 (If under 80% capacity) |
| Support Channels | Service through the DHS Library to Apple | Standard Apple Care Support channels |
| Total Cost Including any Software Licenses, Sales Tax, and Lease Fees | $760 | $811 (not including service repair fees) |
| *The DHS Laptop program provides approximately $50 in savings to each family | ||
Q. I qualify for financial assistance. What will be required?
If you have completed the district waiver process, you may qualify for a scholarship of 50% or an alternative program. No one will receive a free laptop to keep. Please note, you must apply every year for financial assistance.
Q. What if I decide to not participate in the lease program and then change my mind?
You will be able to join the program the following lease cycle, however; please contact the DHS Technology Office to see if there are laptops available.
Q. What if I leave DHS before 4 years?
You have the option to buy the laptop for the remaining value of the lease or return it to the school in good condition. If you leave DHS before the end of your laptop lease and decide to purchase it, you can bring your laptop to an Apple Store or other authorized Apple repair facility for a repair. You will not be charged for warranty repairs for the duration of your 4 Year AppleCare+.
Q. What if I want to use my own MacBook laptop?
To ensure a consistent and equitable learning environment, the district requires all students to use a district-managed MacBook Neo. A bring-your-own-device model makes it difficult for teachers to troubleshoot technical issues quickly or manage classroom software cohesively. Additionally, upcoming state legislation regarding personal devices in schools makes a district-managed program the most stable path forward for families.
Q. What if I don’t want to participate?
There will be a set of loaner laptops available during the school day and during after school help.
Q. When and how will I get my laptop?
Laptops are distributed in August for everyone who has submitted a Registration Form and Initial payment. Students will need to come with a parent or guardian to pick up the laptop and sign the agreement. At that time students will learn how to care for and sign in to the laptop.
Q. If I already have a MacBook, will I be able to sign up for the add-ons (AppleCare+, maintenance, and software)?
Unfortunately no. The services are only available for the devices in the lease program.
Q. What kind of laptop will I be getting?
See the laptop specifications page. Please be aware that the laptop model could change. We want to make sure we offer the best performance to cost ratio from Apple.
Q. What happens if I don’t want my laptop after graduation?
If you choose the Lease-to-Own path but don’t wish to keep the device after senior year, Apple provides a guaranteed trade-in program. While final numbers depend on the lease contract, we expect a trade-in value of approximately $100.00, which can be issued as an Apple Gift Card or a credit toward a new Apple product.
Q. How long is AppleCare+covered? What happens to the warranty after I leave DHS?
AppleCare+ is covered for a full 4 years from the date the device is deployed. If a student leaves or graduates from DHS before the 4 years are up, the remaining warranty stays with the device and can be used directly through Apple by visiting an Apple Store or calling Apple Support at 1-800-275-2273 (1-800-APL-CARE).
Q. Is there a price discount or advantage if I pay for the device upfront in full?
There is currently no discount or financial incentive for paying for the device upfront. However, we may reconsider and discuss this option for future iterations of the program.