Texas Private School Replaces Teachers with AI — Two Hours of AI-Led Learning, $40k a Year
Alpha School in Austin, Texas, replaces traditional teachers with an AI system that leads classes for two hours a day, covering math, reading, and the natural sciences. In the classroom, human guides don’t explain the material; they motivate students and help sustain interest.
In This Article:
How Alpha School Works: The AI Classroom Model
Two hours of daily instruction are led by AI programs, covering math, reading, and science. In the classroom, guides don’t explain the material; their job is to motivate and keep students engaged. Afternoons are dedicated to practical projects, financial literacy, and public speaking—skills the founder says will help children thrive in the future.
Weekly Personal Attention: A Guide for Each Student
Each student is allotted 30 minutes of one-on-one time with a guide every week. There are also group sessions designed to build teamwork and communication. Founder Mackenzie Price stresses that these social and communication skills are essential for success in an increasingly AI-enabled world.
Costs, Scale, and Early Outcomes
Tuition starts at $40,000 per year. Alpha School already operates 16 campuses and continues to grow. Despite the cost, students reportedly sit in the top 1% on standard tests, and the U.S. Department of Education has taken an interest in the experiment.
Implications for the Future of Education
This experiment raises questions about the future of teaching: what role should humans play when machines can teach? It highlights issues of access and equity—private, expensive schooling versus broad public options. As AI-guided learning expands, policymakers, educators, and families must consider quality, oversight, and the potential impact on teachers’ jobs.
