FAQ's
Please check these FAQ's before submitting questions.
Are all Upper School students required to have a TI Nspire graphing calculator?
With the 2026-27 school year, TI Nspire graphing calculators are no longer required for most US math courses, with the exception of AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Statistics, and Multivariable Calculus. If you
take any of these four advanced math classes, you are required to have a TI Nspire graphing calculator.
Students may also use the TI-30XS scientific calculator for classes other than the four mentioned above. This is the same calculator students are issued in middle school at ACAD. If you still have it
from middle school, you can use it. If you don't have a TI-30XS calculator and would like one, contact the US Instructional Technology Coordinator or indicate that when you do your annual registration.
Where can I get a new calculator if mine has been lost or stolen, or if I'm a new student.
If you need a TI Nspire CX II graphing calculator, ACAD no longer stocks those for students. You will have to order one off amazon.com or another online retailer.
Here is one link on amazon.com
If you need a TI-30XS scientific calculator, ACAD can provide you with one. Indicate you want one during annual registration or contact the US Instructional Technology Coordinator.
Your account will be billed $15.00 to cover the cost of the calculator.
I'm taking one of the advanced math classes (AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Statistics, Multivariable Calculus), but I don't have a working TI Nspire calculator. Do I have to buy one just for those classes?
You can purchase a TI Nspire CX II calculator on your own for those advanced classes if you wish. ACAD offers another option where you can rent a TI Nspire CX calculator for the year at an annual rate
of $75.00, cheaper than purchasing a new calculator.
With the 2026-27 school year, TI Nspire graphing calculators are no longer required for most US math courses, with the exception of AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Statistics, and Multivariable Calculus. If you
take any of these four advanced math classes, you are required to have a TI Nspire graphing calculator.
Students may also use the TI-30XS scientific calculator for classes other than the four mentioned above. This is the same calculator students are issued in middle school at ACAD. If you still have it
from middle school, you can use it. If you don't have a TI-30XS calculator and would like one, contact the US Instructional Technology Coordinator or indicate that when you do your annual registration.
Where do I get a new or replacement charger for my Nspire?
If you have a miscellaneous cords drawer at your house, check there first. The Nspire USB charging cable is a fairly standard one and you may
find one at home somewhere. If not, you can pick up a replacement charging cable at any retailer that sells electronics or electronic accessories, or you can order a new one online.
You're looking for a
USB 2.0 A Male to Mini B Male cable.
Here's an example of one on Amazon.com.
How can I determine if my TI Nspire calculator is under warranty?
If you purchased your TI Nspire on your own within the last 12 months, it may be covered under warranty. You can contact Texas Instruments technical support by clicking
here.
If you were issued a TI Nspire calculator by the school, it is no longer covered under warranty.
What do I do if I lost or broke the plastic cover on my Nspire?
Texas Instruments recommends that you keep the cover on your Nspire when not in use. This keeps the calculator protected and prevents it from being accidentally turned on
in your backpack. The school does not provide replacement covers, but you can order them online from Amazon, Texas Instruments or other sites.
Can I plug in or charge my calculator during class?
Generally, no. But this is up to your teacher. You are expected to bring your Nspire to school each day fully charged and ready to use. Arranging to charge your
Nspire in class is a delay and a distraction.
Are there charging stations available to charge Nspires on campus?
Due to misuse during the 2025-26 school year, charging stations will no longer be available at school to students. It is best for students to charge their Nspire at home using their Chromebook or a wall charger.
Are there loaner calculators available in case mine is not working?
Your teacher may have a limited number of school-owned Nspires in case of an emergency. These are yellow and are marked as school property. You are only permitted to use a loaner Nspire in the classroom.
Removing a yellow calculator from a classroom is a potential honor code violation.
If you have to leave your broken Nspire to be repaired, the coordinator may be able to allow you to sign out a loaner Nspire to use while yours is being repaired. These calculators are either black or blue and
have a yellow cover. A loaner Nspire must be returned with its yellow cover in working condition once your Nspire has been repaired or replaced.
Can I borrow another student's Nspire if I left mine at home or it isn't working?
No. Each upper school student must have their own Nspire. Using another student's Nspire may constitute an honor code violation.
A former student or older sibling gave me their Nspire to use. Is this okay?
Yes. You will need to bring your Nspire to the coordinator so that a label with your name and the serial number of the calculuator can be affixed to it.
It was recommended that I upgrade the operating system on my Nspire. Do I need to do that? And if so, how?
Keeping your Nspire operating system up to date ensures that it is running most efficiently. Many times, upgrading the operating
system will help extend the battery life between charges. If you want to upgrade you OS, go to
https://nspireconnect.ti.com/nsc/ and follow the instructions.
Can I use my Nspire calculator on the SAT or ACT?
The TI Nspire CX CAS and CX II CAS calculators are
not permitted on the ACT or the SAT. TI Nspire CX and CX II calculators (non-CAS) are allowed on both the ACT and SAT. The school can provide
you with access to a non-CAS TI Nspire if you are taking the SAT or ACT on campus, but make sure you arrange for that ahead of time.
Here is a summary of the ACT's policy on calculators:
ACT Calculator Policy.
Here is a summary of the SAT's policy on calculators:
SAT Calculator Policy.
