Technology
There are few, if any, fields as dynamic as technology. But change doesn’t have to be the only constant. At Hawken, we organize our use of technology around clear, broad themes that remain relevant even as particular tools and technologies emerge, evolve and evaporate. Our approach thoughtfully balances stable ideas and principles with the flexibility to capitalize on an ever-widening stream of possibilities.
The following core values guide our use of technology across all divisions.
- We emphasize producing over receiving information
- Our use of technology
- Feels natural and integrated into all subjects
- Supports student engagement and creativity
- Helps us to better understand our learners
- Is woven into the fabric of our school culture
- The way we use technology is matched appropriately to developmental needs and readiness
Lower School (Kindergarten–Grade 5)
Lower Elementary
For Lower Elementary students (grades K-2), we choose technology that is intuitive, interactive and application-driven. With this in mind, iPads are an appropriate match because their design is premised on simplicity. The touchscreens make these devices highly interactive without requiring the fine motor skills needed to use a stylus. Even our youngest students can begin to navigate the menus with very little instruction. At this level, skills are emerging more independently. Applications targeting specific skills (reading, math operations, and music note reading) allow us to address the individual needs of our students.
Upper Elementary
In grades 3–5, Upper Elementary students continue their journey with digital learning through the use of 2-in-1 Windows-based convertible tablets. These devices mark the initial phase of our broader 1:1 computing program, which fully launches in middle school. At this stage, the tablets are school-owned and stored securely in locked charging carts, but each student is individually assigned a device for daily use throughout the school year. Students steadily develop confidence and independence in using their tablets as academic tools. They learn to conduct online research, draft essays and reports, and experience the full functionality of a modern computing device—including printing their work and presenting final projects using digital tools. Fifth graders also begin using email to communicate directly with teachers, promoting responsibility and digital citizenship. Throughout this process, students are introduced to key platforms like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, building familiarity with cloud-based applications that support collaboration, organization, and creative expression. This intentional scaffolding ensures they’re well-prepared for the expanded technology expectations that await them in middle school and beyond.
Upper Elementary
In grades 3–5, Upper Elementary students continue their journey with digital learning through the use of 2-in-1 Windows-based convertible tablets. These devices mark the initial phase of our broader 1:1 computing program, which fully launches in middle school. At this stage, the tablets are school-owned and stored securely in locked charging carts, but each student is individually assigned a device for daily use throughout the school year. Students steadily develop confidence and independence in using their tablets as academic tools. They learn to conduct online research, draft essays and reports, and experience the full functionality of a modern computing device—including printing their work and presenting final projects using digital tools. Fifth graders also begin using email to communicate directly with teachers, promoting responsibility and digital citizenship. Throughout this process, students are introduced to key platforms like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, building familiarity with cloud-based applications that support collaboration, organization, and creative expression. This intentional scaffolding ensures they’re well-prepared for the expanded technology expectations that await them in middle school and beyond.
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- By the middle grades, students are ready to begin coordinating the many components of their academic lives. They’re developing awareness not just of themselves as learners but also of the tools available to optimize that learning. Because we are teaching both organizational and technological skills at this stage, our program assumes a more uniform character. With our 1:1 tablet initiative, every student uses a 2-in-1 Windows-based tablet computer that travels to and from home, supporting learning across environments.
- Students at this developmental stage are ready to take advantage of precision tools like the stylus, which they use to draw, comment, and interact directly with digital materials. Their tablets become essential portals to knowledge—not just within specific subjects, but across disciplines. To foster deeper engagement, students use Microsoft OneNote to organize their academic content and Canvas LMS as a hub for coursework, communication, and collaboration. Canvas provides a consistent, structured digital classroom experience: students receive and submit assignments, view feedback, track progress, and interact with teachers and peers—all within a single ecosystem. This dual-system integration allows learners to experience what it means to master robust academic platforms, preparing them to identify and navigate similar systems with confidence in the future.
High School (Grades 9–12)
By high school, students are expected to manage increasingly complex academic demands across diverse disciplines and learning environments. At this stage, they possess the maturity to navigate multiple systems independently, building fluency with the kinds of platforms and tools that support specialized learning, creative expression, and collaborative problem-solving.
Students continue using Canvas LMS to access assignments, communicate with teachers, submit work, and monitor progress—but the platform also becomes a gateway to more advanced workflows, such as integrated rubrics, peer reviews, and portfolio curation. Many students pair Canvas with Microsoft OneNote for deeper organization, reflection, and long-term planning across subjects.
As they grow into the academic identities that will shape college and career pathways, students have access to an array of technology resources tailored to their evolving interests:
Students continue using Canvas LMS to access assignments, communicate with teachers, submit work, and monitor progress—but the platform also becomes a gateway to more advanced workflows, such as integrated rubrics, peer reviews, and portfolio curation. Many students pair Canvas with Microsoft OneNote for deeper organization, reflection, and long-term planning across subjects.
As they grow into the academic identities that will shape college and career pathways, students have access to an array of technology resources tailored to their evolving interests:
- In our MAC Lab, students engage in professional-grade graphic design and video production using industry-standard tools.
- A robust robotics program allows them to explore engineering and programming through hands-on challenges.
- A progressive series of computer science courses introduces students to foundational coding principles, data structures, algorithms, and real-world applications such as app development, cybersecurity, and AI.
- In our state-of-the-art Fab Lab, students bring ideas to life using 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, Cricut machines, and more—applying engineering design principles to create tangible products across disciplines.
- Science probes and field equipment connect classroom concepts to real-world data collection and environmental observation.
- Advanced math software from Texas Instruments equips students to model and analyze complex systems.
- Virtual reality technology offers immersive experiences for simulations in history, science, and the arts.
- Dedicated podcasting and music production studios give students space to explore audio storytelling and digital composition.
This ecosystem of tools and platforms fosters self-directed learning and mastery. By integrating diverse technologies with purpose-driven pedagogy, we prepare students not only to succeed in high school but to thrive in future academic and professional settings—where adaptability, digital fluency, and creative confidence are essential.
Tech Support & Help Desk
For more urgent issues, students are encouraged to visit our support offices in person as needed, preferably during free blocks or before/after lunch whenever possible to minimize classroom disruption. For less urgent issues, Hawken's cloud-based help desk allows users to submit a help ticket, review an existing help ticket and research knowledge articles for immediate suggestions. Our technology offices are equipped to turn students around as quickly as possible, with access to our loaner computer pool as needed to keep them on the go with technology.
For more urgent issues, students are encouraged to visit our support offices in person as needed, preferably during free blocks or before/after lunch whenever possible to minimize classroom disruption. For less urgent issues, Hawken's cloud-based help desk allows users to submit a help ticket, review an existing help ticket and research knowledge articles for immediate suggestions. Our technology offices are equipped to turn students around as quickly as possible, with access to our loaner computer pool as needed to keep them on the go with technology.
| Lyndhurst Campus: M-F 8 AM - 4 PM |
Gates Mills Campus: M-F 8 AM - 4 PM |
University Circle Campus: T 9:45 AM - 1:25 PM
W 9:45 AM - 1:25 PM
F 9:45 AM - 2:30 PM
|
An independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school, toddler through grade 12
Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Birchwood School of Hawken, 4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135
Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Mastery School of Hawken, 11025 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Birchwood School of Hawken, 4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135
Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Mastery School of Hawken, 11025 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Directions | Log in | 440-423-4446