This school charges Rs 57 lakh a year, has no teachers, and lets AI teach kids

Image used for representational purpose only.

A school in Northern Virginia is challenging everything we know about education. Alpha School has no traditional teachers. Instead, students spend just two hours a day on academics, learning through AI-powered apps that adjust to each child’s level. The rest of the day is devoted to life skills, from riding a bike to managing small projects, a report by The Washington Post reveals.

The school uses guides—adults who don’t teach in the usual sense but help students stay motivated and explore their interests. The AI tracks progress, giving extra practice to students who need it, and allowing advanced learners to move ahead quickly.

Alpha School is the brainchild of MacKenzie Price, who says traditional classrooms are outdated. “Kids don’t need to sit in class all day,” she explains. “Two hours of focused learning is enough. The rest of the day should be about building skills and passions.”

On a recent “shadow day” in Virginia, children sat at iPads, headphones on, solving interactive questions. Every few minutes, guides led short breaks with videos and movement exercises. The AI even reminds students to focus if they rush through lessons too quickly.

The new Virginia campus will have 25 students and costs Rs 57 lakh per year. Families are drawn to the model for its flexibility and personalized approach, and early supporters include billionaires, politicians, and parents seeking an alternative to traditional schools.

Price plans to expand Alpha School nationwide and has tried to bring the model to charter schools in several states. So far, only Arizona has approved it. Experts note that while highly motivated students thrive in this environment, it’s unclear how it would work for a wider range of learners.

Alpha School offers a glimpse of the future: AI as the teacher, minimal traditional academics, and a focus on life skills. For families who can afford it, it promises a radically different way for children to learn, grow, and explore their passions.