AI-Powered Private Schools Are Spreading Across America—But Not Everyone Is Sold

AI-Driven Private Schools Expanding Across the U.S.

An AI-powered private school model that limits core subject instruction to just two hours a day is rapidly growing. Alpha Schools is nearly doubling its presence, adding eight new campuses from California to North Carolina and Puerto Rico.

Why It Matters

With tuition starting at $40,000, Alpha Schools taps into the parental demand for school choice while integrating technology that will influence children’s futures. This approach presents challenges for public schools struggling to keep pace with new educational technologies and parental expectations.

How It Works

Students at Alpha Schools spend no more than two hours daily on core academics. The rest of the day focuses on life skills development. AI generates personalized learning plans for each student, who then use third-party apps like Synthesis Tutor and Math Academy, alongside proprietary programs from Alpha Schools.

Classes are broken into 25-minute sessions with short breaks. This format allows students to fully master concepts before moving on to new material—something traditional schooling often struggles to guarantee.

Voices from Inside Alpha Schools

Founder MacKenzie Price explains, “If a kid comes to us and is behind, we're able to help catch them up. If a kid has been bored in traditional school because they're more advanced, they're able to really take the ceiling off.”

Afternoon workshops teach practical skills such as financial literacy and public speaking, using activities like team bike races or running a lemonade stand.

Instead of traditional teachers, Alpha employs “guides” who earn starting salaries of $100,000 a year. These guides act more like coaches, motivating students rather than delivering lectures or creating lesson plans. They come from diverse professional backgrounds, including tech and law.

Concerns and Criticism

Critics question the effectiveness of replacing teachers with AI and limiting academic sessions to 25 minutes. Bryan Proffitt, vice president of the North Carolina Association of Educators, emphasizes the importance of socialization in education. He notes that teachers play a critical role in helping students understand social interactions and emotional intelligence.

Proffitt states, “Think back to your own high school days. You had your own quirky teacher. They made you reflect on who you are. The idea that machines can meet those needs for our kids is absurd.”

Broader Context

Alpha Schools applied to open public charter schools in multiple states but were rejected by state boards in Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Arkansas, and North Carolina. Only Arizona has approved a partnership to open a virtual AI charter school this fall.

Parent Perspectives

Raleigh parent Jesse Miele, who is critical of the current education system, is considering enrolling his children in the local Alpha School. He says his kids’ current private Christian school has not embraced technology adequately.

During a “simulation day,” Miele was impressed by how a guide encouraged his shy son to climb a rock wall blindfolded. “This is about what is best for my children,” he says. “If I have the resources to do it, then why wouldn’t I?”

Political and Social Stance

Alpha Schools avoid political and social issues. The model has attracted support from billionaire Bill Ackman, known for his criticism of DEI policies. However, Price clarifies that the anti-DEI movement was not the motivation for creating the school. Her disappointment with her daughter’s public education experience was a key factor.

What’s Next for Alpha Schools

• New campuses will open this fall in Santa Barbara, California; New York City; Chantilly, Virginia; and Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Plans are underway to expand to Houston, Tampa, and Puerto Rico.
• Alpha Schools have partnered with Guidepost Montessori to open some campuses.
• Some North Carolina campuses face delays due to shared space logistics.
• Existing campuses operate in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Miami, Palm Beach, and five locations in Texas, including Brownsville, home to Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

The Bottom Line

Price says she wants to make this education model accessible to more families and hopes public schools will adopt similar ideas.

Meanwhile, Proffitt from the North Carolina Association of Educators warns, “It’s a $45,000 private school run by a for-profit company. None of those things should have to do with the education of young people.”

For educators interested in how AI is shaping new learning environments, exploring resources on AI in education can provide valuable insights. You can find relevant courses and tools at Complete AI Training.