A private school in San Francisco is using artificial intelligence to transform the way children learn, with students spending just two hours a day on core academic subjects. Alpha School, which opened in the city this autumn, claims that AI enables pupils to learn twice as fast as their peers in traditional classrooms. The school is part of a network of 14 private schools across the United States.
At Alpha, children use adaptive software on screens for subjects such as maths and history. The programmes tailor lessons to each child's pace and level, identifying gaps in knowledge and adjusting material accordingly. The rest of the school day is devoted to life skills, including teamwork and financial literacy, through projects like running a food truck. Teachers act as 'guides' rather than instructors.
Educational experts acknowledge the potential of AI but urge caution. Professor Emma Pierson of the University of California, Berkeley, said more rigorous research is needed into its effects on students from all backgrounds. She noted that past tech-driven educational experiments have not always benefited children. Harvard's Dr Ying Xu pointed out that self-directed learning models, such as Montessori, have existed for decades, and that traditional schools already spend similar amounts of time on core subjects.
Alpha uses proprietary software called 2 Hour Learning, which tracks student progress and makes real-time adjustments. Some programmes, like IXL and Khan Academy, are already widely used in public and private education. The school's annual tuition is not disclosed in the article, but other Alpha schools charge high fees, raising questions about equity in AI-driven education.
