School issued iPad will not stay connected to home wifi.

You are correct - resetting network settings will cause all the entered passwords to be lost and have to be re entered

You can try the following:

1. Check how many IP addresses your router can hand out vis a vis the number of devices in your home (you may have to consult your router manual or tell us the brand of router you have eg: Dlink 621)

2. Unplug the router for about 60 seconds and then plug it back in

Please let us know if any of those help - here are the usual steps some of us recommend

1) Perform a Forced Restart: Hold down the Home and Wake/Sleep buttons at the same time for about 15-20 seconds until the Apple logo appears. Allow device to restart.

2) Reset Network Settings: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Rejoin the Network again.

3) Change to Google's DNS: Settings > Wi-Fi > Click on the Network, Delete all numbers under DNS and enter 8.8.8.8 or alternatively 8.8.4.4

4) Disable the QoS service on the router if available.

5) Reboot Router/Modem: Unplug from power for 2 minutes and plug again. Update Router Firmware (check manufacturer’s support website). Verify your router is Wi-Fi certified.

6) Determine if other Wi-Fi devices on network are working well (other iOS devices, Macs, PCs).

7) Try device at another Network, i.e., neighbors’, public coffee house, etc.

8) Restore the Device (ask for additional for details if desired).

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201252

9) Go to an Apple Store for hardware evaluation.

iPads are all

Can not you buy whatever apps they need? Use Airdrop to get files they need.

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Prehaps this would avoid the wifi issue you experienced.

Here is how to connect to an Ethernet cable without WiFi.

I have no idea if Apple officially supports this. I have not tested. It's been reported as working for several years.

There are multiple youtube videos reporting that you can connect an iPad via Ethernet cable. Example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ndUO_p_9oI

Testimonial of suzyfromoz on the last page of
How do I connect my iPad to the internet when only a wired connection is available? Thanks

You need
-- apple Camera connection kit
-- powered USB hub
-- apple USB to Ethernet connector.
[ yes you need apple connectors ]

Would be an interesting test if you could get more than one iPad to work off the same ethernet cable via multiple apple Camera connection kits.

Here are more examples, google:
ipad connect ethernet cable

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2014/08/28/how-to-connect-an-ipad-to-ethernet/

There are problems in ios 8.x with wifi connections. Sometimes the symptoms appeared as you wrote. Check with school and see if upgrading to 9.x would be helpful. Some apps do not work in 9.x.

R