Private AI school approved by Boston School Committee
The Boston School Committee approved Alpha School, an AI-driven private school chain, to open in Boston this fall despite concerns about its $55,000 tuition and limited teacher oversight. The school will use AI tutors and 'guides' instead of traditional teachers, enrolling 25 students in grades K-8 initially, with plans to expand to 50 students in its second year.
Alpha School, a national private school chain that uses artificial intelligence to teach students, received approval from the Boston School Committee to open in Boston this fall. The vote was 5-1, with the committee confirming Alpha met Massachusetts’ basic school requirements, though it has no authority over private schools. Superintendent Mary Skipper noted the state’s evaluation process focuses only on fundamentals, not long-term success. The Boston school will enroll 25 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, doubling to 50 in its second year. It will follow Massachusetts’ curriculum frameworks and employ seven staff members, including three 'guides' who monitor progress rather than lead classes. Tuition will start at $55,000 annually, though Alpha founder MacKenzie Price has pledged two scholarships after concerns were raised. Alpha’s model replaces traditional teachers with AI tutors on laptops, allowing students to work independently on core subjects like math, English, science, and social studies. The remainder of the school day includes physical education, science projects, and arts workshops. Critics argue AI cannot replace educators, particularly in fostering critical thinking and contextual understanding. Board members expressed frustration with the approval process, stating it diverts resources from Boston’s public schools during a time of budget constraints. Chairperson Jeri Robinson called the approval of private competitors unfair given the city’s educational challenges. Alpha’s expansion follows a $1 billion funding commitment from its founder to grow its network of schools. The decision comes as schools nationwide debate the role of technology in education, with some advocating for reduced screen time. Alpha’s co-founder, Price, argues traditional teacher-led classrooms are outdated and that their model empowers students to take control of their learning. However, educators like Jennifer L. Steele of American University’s School of Education warn that AI lacks the ability to provide broader educational context.
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