Google’s Chrome OS is not quite ready to challenge more prominent computer operating systems like Windows and Mac OS, but the Chromebooks are certainly popular with some crowds, especially considering the affordable prices of the most recently launched Chrome OS machines.

The latest Samsung (image above) and Acer Chromebooks are selling for $249 and $199, respectively, which are great prices for a laptop, provided that a cloud-based environment is enough for you.

But Google is not targeting only individuals and businesses with its cheap computing machines. The company has partnered with DonorsChoose.org to offer $99 Samsung Series 5 Chromebooks (“the most widely deployed Chromebook in schools”) to teachers. To make things clear, the Series 5 Chromebook from Samsung was launched in June 2011 and was originally sold for $349.99 (Wi-Fi) or $449.99 (3G version). A second, more expensive model was launched in May 2012.

The price includes “hardware, management and support,” and we’re looking at a great offer that could certainly help out teachers looking to rely more on a computer in the classroom.

In order to take advantage of the offer, teachers will have to go to DonorsChoose.org and follow the instructions to get their discounted $99 Chromebook. In case you’re one of them, you should know the offer expires on December 21, 2012, so you should get on it as fast as possible. And if you do, let us know how you’re using the device in the classroom.

On a related note, the battle for the classroom is just beginning, with various hardware and software makers eying schools when it comes to deploying smart devices bundled with digital notebooks. But we’ll elaborate more on that in the future, as device makers and publishers prepare their school attacks.