This article was published as part of our ongoing partnership with Supcase. It did not have any input on the content.

Apple might have stopped trying to say the iPad is going to replace your laptop, but the fact is that the best iPads are all powerful enough to do just that. Many school districts prefer them to laptops or Chromebooks, as Apple makes centrally managing them easy. But one thing is also true about iPads — that you'll want to put them in a good case for protection.

Whether it's a base model iPad, an iPad Air, or an iPad Pro, the large expanse of a glass screen and anodized aluminum means they're even more prone to breaking than smartphones. I've had good results with rugged and slimline cases, as long as the fit is right. The school year is long, and these slabs of glass will be bounced around in backpacks, so they deserve special attention when picking out protection.

If your kid's iPad supports the Apple Pencil, look for a case with a place to securely stow it because it gets lost easily and is an expensive mistake every time. Cases and sleeves can also be used to individualize the iPad, so they always know which device is theirs. If they prefer to type, a keyboard case is a must, with an added bonus of extra screen protection when folded. Screen protectors are also a must, as is some level of software protection, even if it's just to remove distractions during the school day.

You have to put a case on it

Slim, rugged, normal, it doesn't matter as much as the fact you did

The iPad is one of the more durable tablets, to the point that I'm using the slimmest carbon fiber case I could find for my second-generation iPad Pro 11". However, that's partly due to its age, as I'm not worried about it being damaged anymore. The other reason is that it rarely leaves my home, so it doesn't really need a rugged exterior.

That's not the case for iPads used at school, and I fully recommend getting a rugged, 360-degree protection case for any grade school user. It just makes sense, as a $60 case is a small fraction of the cost of a new device or even a screen repair. AppleCare+ can only go so far before replacements become expensive.

One of our favorite rugged cases here is the Supcase UB range (pictured on a Pixel 8a). It covers every drop angle, has an integrated kickstand, and has a built-in screen protector, so you don't have to worry about applying one. But you don't have to go full rugged if you don't want to. Older school kids can take on more responsibility, and a stylish folio case might be more appropriate.

Or it might be a combination, with a sleeve over a folio, so that the screen-protecting flap stays where it should be, no matter how jostled that backpack gets. Once keyboard skills are part of the mix, maybe upgrade to one of the Apple Magic Keyboard cases so that they can practice typing while taking notes or writing essays. Whatever case you pick will be just fine, but you'll want a case to ensure that the iPad stays in good condition until the end of the school year.

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• Official pick

  Apple Smart Folio for iPad Air (M2) case

  The classic Apple Smart Folio is a great school choice for protection, and it turns into a stand or hand grip when open so you can take notes in comfort. It's also available in ten colors, so you can stand out in class.

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• Slim sleeve

  Native Union Stow iPad Air M2 sleeve

  The Native Union Stow is a great sleeve for your iPad Air, and keeps your tablet in slim safety. It's got magnetic closures to stop your iPad sliding out, and a handy loop to keep your Apple Pencil secure.

  $70 at Amazon (11 inches) $60 at Amazon (13 inches)

A screen protector will come in clutch

Tablet glass is just a larger target to crack

While it's true enough that device glass has improved over the years, it still hasn't improved to the state where a fall onto the schoolyard concrete won't put some cracks in it. That's why we often recommend screen protectors for any device, not just iPads. Even a relatively inexpensive TPU screen protector will provide some shock protection, but it's always better to go for a tempered glass option for peak protection.

The only time this might change is if your kid or teen is a heavy Apple Pencil user, whether that's for handwritten notes or for drawing and painting. In that case, it might be better to get one of the screen protectors that feel more like drawing on paper, like the Paperlike range, as it provides tactile feedback that's going to make the experience better overall.

Don't forget some software protection

From Screen Time to third-party options, lock down that iPad

Physical protection is one thing, but we are talking about giving an internet-connected device to your kids here, so some level of software protection is also warranted. The first thing you should do is enable Find My, so that you can always find the iPad if it gets misplaced. Try not to use this to "lojack" your kids — they won't appreciate the lack of trust, so use it only in an emergency.

iPadOS gives you plenty of inbuilt tools, like Screen Time, to enforce parental controls or, in some cases, the expectations of the school district where your child takes classes. Again, a softer hand here is probably the better course of action, along with teaching responsible internet use and healthy habits. Screens will be a part of everyone's lives for work and play, so restricting screen time might be counterproductive, depending on your child's career goals.

You could also install third-party solutions for antivirus, tracking, and other controls, but the built-in iPadOS tools do pretty much the same job without exposing your child's privacy to a third party. If the school they attend requires something like antivirus, install it; otherwise, stick to Apple's tools.

If your child's iPad is going to school with them, make sure it's protected

School is tough enough without worrying about the iPad your child uses for schoolwork. Keep it protected with a good case, load it up with homework-friendly accessories like the Apple Pencil and keyboard covers, and don't forget a screen protector as a last line of defense. After all, you want that iPad to survive the entire school year, and beyond. With the right protection, including AppleCare+ or third-party insurance, you'll be safe no matter how many times they throw their backpack around.