Houston ISD expands AI-focused program to nine schools
Houston ISD will convert seven additional elementary and middle schools into AI-focused campuses, expanding a pilot program that started with just two schools. The district announced the expansion Tuesday, bringing the total to nine campuses in the "Future 2" program.
State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles launched Future 2 to build student skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and technology. The district budgeted $4.5 million for the program across nine schools, roughly $500,000 per campus.
Students in third through eighth grade will spend mornings on traditional core subjects and afternoons in AI-driven classes. Pre-K through second-grade students will continue with the district's existing instructional model. The district said the program will not replace teachers with AI.
All nine schools serve predominantly low-income and Latino or Black student populations. Here are the schools selected:
- Bonham Elementary (rated C)
- Clemente Martinez Elementary (rated D)
- Gregg Elementary (rated A)
- Shadydale Elementary (rated B)
- Southmayd Elementary (rated A)
- Deady Middle School (rated B)
- Forest Brook Middle School (rated C)
- Hartman Middle School (rated B)
- Sugar Grove Middle School (rated C)
Future 2 schools will open at 6:30 a.m. and stay open until 6 p.m. Students will have access to "Action Labs," athletics, and music at no cost. The schools will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Concerns about rapid expansion
Michael McDonough, an elected trustee for District 6, questioned how quickly the program is growing. His district includes Sugar Grove Middle School, one of the Future 2 campuses.
"There's some real trepidation about the acceleration of Future 2 and what does it really even mean?" McDonough said. "What if I don't want to be a part of it? What are my options?"
McDonough said the district has shared minimal details with elected trustees about the program's day-to-day operations. He acknowledged the need for innovation but raised concerns about scaling too quickly.
"If you try to go too big, too fast, what's going to happen is there is going to be the unknowns that emerge, and we're not going to necessarily be ready for them," he said. "And who is the potential person who will miss out on an experience because of that? It's kids."
Miles addressed community concerns about screen time in a recent question-and-answer session, saying the afternoon AI classes focus on building decision-making and problem-solving skills students will need by 2030.
The changes are scheduled to begin in the 2026-2027 school year. The schools will also receive additional funding and higher teacher salaries, similar to schools in the district's "New Education System."
For educators implementing AI for Education or developing curriculum around these tools, resources like an AI Learning Path for Teachers can help with classroom integration strategies.
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