A private school in Austin, Texas is doing something that should have the whole country talking.
It’s called Alpha, and they’re flipping the script on how we think about school. Students are only in class for two hours a day. The rest of their time is spent doing things like public speaking, chess, life skills, and physical activities. And here’s the kicker: they’re outperforming most public schools by a wide margin in reading and math. The reason? They’re using AI tutors.
Let that sink in.
This school has taken a bold step by letting technology take over part of the traditional classroom model. Instead of one teacher trying to meet the needs of 20+ kids at the same time, each student gets personalized support through an AI tutor. The tool helps them move at their own pace, focus where they struggle, and build confidence. And it’s working.
Now, I’m not saying we shut down every school and move to a two-hour model. But the results from Alpha School should be a wake-up call. AI in education isn’t a gimmick. It’s a tool that can help students learn faster, reduce frustration, and free up teachers to do what they do best—teach, support, and inspire.
Here’s where I get frustrated.
The U.S. continues to rank behind other countries in education outcomes. We’ve got one of the most advanced tech sectors in the world, but we’re dragging our feet when it comes to bringing that innovation into the classroom.
Why? Because we’ve made education political. Because we’re not funding it properly. Because we treat it like it’s someone else’s problem.
It’s not. It’s our problem. And if we want to compete globally, we need to fix it.
AI can’t replace great teachers. But it can give them more time, better insight, and stronger tools to support every student—especially the ones falling behind. It levels the playing field when used the right way.
The Alpha School isn’t just an experiment. It’s proof. Proof that kids can excel with the right mix of smart tech and smart structure. Proof that we can break the old model and build something better.
So the question is—are we willing to learn from it?
This is our moment to move. To invest in real solutions. To get AI into public schools. To train educators on how to use it effectively. And to finally give students the tools they need to succeed—not just on paper, but in life.
Let’s stop saying “we’ll get to it someday.” That day is here.