In a bold departure from conventional schooling, a Texas-based private institution is demonstrating how AI-powered schools can boost academic results while cutting down traditional classroom time. At Alpha School, students attend just two hours of academic classes each day, led by an AI tutor, and the results are turning heads.
Alpha’s academic outcomes place its students in the top 1–2% nationally, according to co-founder MacKenzie Price, who discussed the school’s innovative model during a recent appearance on Fox & Friends.
“We’ve built a fully personalized learning experience using adaptive apps and AI tutoring,” said Price. “Our students aren’t just learning faster—they’re mastering the material in a way that far exceeds traditional systems.”
From Austin to the Nation: AI-Powered Schools Are Expanding
Alpha currently operates campuses in Austin, Brownsville, and Miami, serving students from Pre-K through grade 12. The Austin flagship features both a K–8 academy and a downtown high school, while the Miami site now includes 10th grade. Brownsville, meanwhile, is Alpha’s fastest-growing location.
Each site is intentionally small—about 150 students per campus—allowing for a high level of individual support. Instead of traditional teachers, Alpha employs human “guides” who focus on mentorship and emotional growth, while AI handles academic instruction.
“Our guides are essential for the human connection, but AI enables us to personalize every student’s education,” said Price.
With rising interest from parents nationwide, Alpha has announced a major expansion. Seven new campuses are slated to open by Fall 2025:
- Texas: Houston, Fort Worth (K–8)
- Florida: Orlando, Tampa, Palm Beach (K–8)
- Arizona: Phoenix (K–8)
- California: Santa Barbara (K–12)
- New York: New York City (K–8)
Tuition varies by region, ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 annually, though the Brownsville location remains subsidized for broader accessibility. Applications are already open for several campuses.
“This model is scalable and accessible,” Price said. “It works for students who are falling behind—and for those who are simply uninspired in traditional systems.”
AI-Powered Education Gains Political Momentum
Alpha’s rise coincides with growing federal support for school choice. In January, President Trump issued an executive order directing the Department of Education to help states reallocate funds toward private vouchers, charter schools, and other alternatives—including AI-powered schools.
“Too many students are not thriving in assigned, government-run schools,” the order stated, emphasizing a parent’s right to choose the best learning path.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon hailed the move as transformative. “We’re putting power back in the hands of families and local communities,” she said. “Whether it’s AI-driven models, faith-based programs, or traditional public schools—families should have options.”
The order also allows families to use 529 savings plans for private K–12 tuition and encourages states to pursue grants aimed at educational innovation.
As Alpha continues to scale, AI-powered schools are quickly becoming a credible alternative to traditional education—combining personalization, efficiency, and student engagement in a way that could redefine how we teach the next generation.
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