Private school proposes bringing AI-powered education to Boston

Boston Public Schools officials are considering a proposal to open a branch of a private school that relies on artificial intelligence-powered tutors.Alpha School Boston plans to operate at 300 Cambridge St. as an independent school for dozens of kids, drawing primarily from neighborhoods within a 20-minute commute of downtown Boston. The school already operates campuses in Austin, San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas and other major cities. The Boston Public Schools review team submitted a report about the proposal, which described the school’s model as being “centered on a two-hour morning core academic block using adaptive technology and AI-powered platforms.” Afternoon workshops at the school are focused on areas including physical education, arts, public speaking and entrepreneurship. According to a presentation Alpha made to BPS officials earlier this month, 20 Boston families have already paid enrollment deposits. They plan to accept 25 students during the first year before growing to a maximum capacity of 50. The presentation describes Alpha’s approach as “self-paced, mastery-based learning.” BPS’ report noted that AI platforms used in the school could include Lalilo, ClearFluency and MobyMax.

BOSTON —

Boston Public Schools officials are considering a proposal to open a branch of a private school that relies on artificial intelligence-powered tutors.

Alpha School Boston plans to operate at 300 Cambridge St. as an independent school for dozens of kids, drawing primarily from neighborhoods within a 20-minute commute of downtown Boston. The school already operates campuses in Austin, San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas and other major cities.

The Boston Public Schools review team submitted a report about the proposal, which described the school’s model as being “centered on a two-hour morning core academic block using adaptive technology and AI-powered platforms.” Afternoon workshops at the school are focused on areas including physical education, arts, public speaking and entrepreneurship.

According to a presentation Alpha made to BPS officials earlier this month, 20 Boston families have already paid enrollment deposits. They plan to accept 25 students during the first year before growing to a maximum capacity of 50.

The presentation describes Alpha’s approach as “self-paced, mastery-based learning.”

BPS’ report noted that AI platforms used in the school could include Lalilo, ClearFluency and MobyMax.