Boston Approves New AI School That Uses Computers Instead of Teachers

A new type of school that uses computers and artificial intelligence to teach students got approval to open in Boston. The Boston School Committee voted 5-1 on Wednesday night to let Alpha School start classes this fall. Alpha School is different because it doesn't have regular teachers leading classes. Instead, students learn from AI programs on laptops while adult 'guides' help them.

Alpha School is part of a chain of private schools across the country. About 500 students attend Alpha schools in other states. The school plans to start with 25 students from kindergarten through eighth grade in Boston's Beacon Hill area. In the second year, they want to grow to 50 students.

The school will cost $55,000 per year for each student. That's a lot of money for most families. After school officials worried about the high cost, Alpha's founder promised to give two scholarships to help some students attend for free.

At Alpha School, students work on their laptops with AI tutors. They study math, English, science, and social studies at their own speed. The AI program is like a computer teacher that gives lessons and checks their work. Students don't sit in regular classrooms with a teacher talking to the whole class.

The school has adult helpers called 'guides' instead of teachers. These guides watch how students are doing and help when needed. But they don't teach lessons or lead discussions like regular teachers do. The school will also have a reading specialist to help students with reading skills.

Students at Alpha only spend two hours each day on regular school subjects. The rest of their day includes gym class, science projects, and art activities. The school says this lets students 'crush academics' in less time than regular schools.

Many people have questions about this new way of learning. Some experts think AI cannot replace real teachers. Jennifer Steele, a professor who used to be a teacher, said AI can give personalized lessons but can't explain the big picture of why things are important.

The approval was mostly a formality because state law requires it. The Boston School Committee had to check that Alpha met basic requirements for schools in Massachusetts. However, the committee doesn't oversee private schools after they open.

Some committee members weren't happy about approving the school. They said it takes away resources from Boston's public schools. Committee chairperson Jeri Robinson said they are 'basically approving competitors at a time when resources are short.'

MacKenzie Price, who helped start Alpha School, believes traditional classrooms are outdated. She thinks students can learn better when they control their own learning. Price said students don't use computers all day and that the school teaches kids to be active in their education.

This new school opens as many schools across the country are questioning how much technology students should use. Some schools are trying to reduce screen time for students. The debate continues about whether computers and AI can really replace human teachers in helping kids learn.