Michigan High School Shifts to AI-Powered Personalized Learning
Eastern High School in Bay City will introduce a new online learning model powered by AI technology when the 2026-27 school year begins. The alternative high school currently serves 106 students through a mix of virtual and in-person classes.
The school is replacing its Edgenuity platform with Subject AI, a system that tailors lessons to each student's pace, strengths, and interests. Superintendent Grant Hegenauer said the shift reflects a move toward "a much more dynamic, personalized, and engaging learning environment."
How the Platform Works
Subject AI functions as a 24/7 tutor for each student, adapting reading levels, providing instant feedback, and targeting specific skill gaps. The platform customizes the educational experience in real time rather than following a static curriculum.
Teachers remain central to the model. Hegenauer said the AI platform serves as an "instructional co-pilot" that frees educators to focus on mentoring, small-group instruction, and hands-on projects.
Expanded In-Person Support
The redesigned model includes new in-person opportunities that previously weren't available. The school will now offer face-to-face classes Monday through Friday, including specialized courses developed through a partnership with the Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District.
Students will have access to an academic success center, enrichment hubs, a full-time counselor, and a regulation room for mental health check-ins. The school continues to provide free breakfast, lunch, and daily bus transportation.
Career Training and Community Engagement
The new model includes expanded career training options and community service projects. Students can pursue alternative education pathways tailored to their goals.
For educators looking to understand how AI tools support teaching rather than replace it, resources like the AI Learning Path for Teachers offer practical guidance. More broadly, AI for Education covers implementation approaches across school settings.
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