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Back-to-School Device Protection Checklist for 2025

Get ahead this summer with tips and tools to protect your tech and your budget. While summer is still in full swing, smart districts are already prepping for the year ahead. Between updating policies, refreshing devices, and planning rollouts, the back-to-school season starts long before the first bell rings. One essential part of that prep? Making sure your district’s technology is protected from day one.

Whether you’re a 1:1 veteran or managing a new device initiative, now is the time to think strategically about protection, because even the best tech is only as good as its condition.

Why Device Protection Matters More Than Ever

Technology continues to play a central role in today’s classrooms. From Chromebooks and tablets to software subscriptions and accessories, school tech programs represent a major financial investment. Yet without the right protective gear, that investment is at constant risk.

Dropped devices, broken hinges, cracked screens, and liquid damage don’t just hurt hardware; they disrupt learning, drain IT resources, and add strain to already tight budgets.

Higher Ground protective cases are purpose-built for education, designed to withstand daily wear and tear while keeping learning moving forward. Our always-on, rugged, and custom-fit solutions are proven to reduce breakage, extend device lifespans, and save districts money.

Early Back-to-School Planning Tips

To help your district hit the ground running, we’ve compiled a checklist of critical steps to take before the chaos of August hits:

1. Assess Your Device Fleet
  • Take inventory of devices and accessories.
  • Evaluate damage and usage from last year.
  • Determine replacement and upgrade needs.
2. Review and Refresh Protective Gear
  • Replace worn or outdated cases.
  • Ensure new devices are paired with proper protection.
  • Consider rugged case models for younger grades or mobile environments.
3. Update Cybersecurity Protocols
  • Review firewall, filtering, and endpoint protection tools.
  • Run software updates and patches across all devices.
  • Refresh student and staff training on phishing, data safety, and secure usage.
4. Prepare for Student Rollouts
  • Organize pickup schedules and return procedures.
  • Communicate policies on damage, repairs, and usage.
  • Print case insert cards with student names, barcodes, or tech tips.
5. Explore Trends & EdTech Integrations
  • Investigate new platforms or LMS features your district may adopt.
  • Watch for trends in AI in education, adaptive learning, or hybrid teaching models.
  • Don’t forget accessories (headsets, chargers, styluses, etc.) often overlooked but highly used.

Add School Spirit with Customization

One way to strengthen student connection to their devices—and reduce loss or mix-ups—is by adding custom branding to your cases.

From our 2024 blog on customization:

“School-branded gear gives students a sense of ownership and pride. It fosters identity, builds community, and even helps prevent theft or mistaken swaps.”

With Higher Ground, customization is easy. Options include:

  • School logos and mascots
  • Custom colors (on select models)

Ask our team how we can help you build branded cases your students will carry with pride.

Top Case Picks for the 2025 School Year

Choosing the right protective gear is one of the smartest decisions a district can make before school starts. Here are our top recommendations to help you kick off the year with confidence:

Datakeeper Collection: Always-on protection that goes wherever students do.

Designed to stay on during use, the Datakeeper makes it easy for students to protect their devices without interrupting learning. Lightweight and highly functional, it’s a reliable go-to for everyday use.

Explore the Datakeeper Collection »

Capsule Collection: Slim. Smart. Serious protection.

The Capsule is compact but tough, offering sleek protection in a simple, zippered design. Ideal for students who need an ultra-portable case that still packs a punch in protection.

View the Capsule Collection »

Elements Collection: Budget-friendly protection without compromise.

Our Elements line is built to provide essential protection at a more accessible price point. It’s a great fit for schools that need to stretch their budgets while still prioritizing device safety.

Shop the Elements Collection »

ShockGUARD Series: Custom-molded, edge-to-edge impact defense.

When maximum protection is the priority, ShockGUARD delivers. With a form-fitting, rugged build, this line of molded cases shields devices from drops, dings, and student life’s unexpected moments.

Check out the ShockGUARD Series »

Safe N Clear Backpack: Compliant, protective, and built for student safety.

Transparent and tech-ready, the Safe N Clear Backpack is perfect for schools with clear bag policies. With a dedicated padded laptop compartment, it offers both visibility and protection.

Learn more about the Safe N Clear Backpack »

Start Smart. Stay Protected.

Back-to-school prep isn’t just about new pencils and lesson plans; it’s about creating a tech ecosystem that supports learning from day one. By protecting your devices now, you’re investing in fewer disruptions, lower repair costs, and better learning outcomes throughout the year.

Let’s get ahead of the curve, together. Contact our team today to explore solutions that protect your tech and your students every step of the way.