Arizona Approves AI-Driven Charter School, Drawing Mixed Reactions
PHOENIX – The Arizona State Board for Charter Schools has given the green light to a new online charter school that will leverage artificial intelligence in its educational model. Unbound Academy, approved in December 2024, aims to personalize learning for students in grades 4-8 using AI technology.
“Our teachers still do a lot of the teaching role, but they don’t do the actual teaching of academic concepts because we know that that’s something that AI can do really well,” explained Ivy Xu with the school. Xu stated that the teaching method has been tested on hundreds of students in Texas. She highlighted that the school day is shortened because AI efficiently tailors instruction to each student’s needs. “Because everything is personalized to the student, learning for core academics is just 2 to 2.5 hours a day.”
Following the core academic instruction, students will engage in a life skills program designed around their individual interests, according to school officials. Kristin Mann said that such programs allow children “an opportunity to learn things that typically, people don’t get a chance to try and learn until they’re working, once they’ve graduated.” Class sizes will be similar to those found in public schools, as reported by Xu. Enrollment is set to be capped at a few hundred students for the upcoming school year.
Controversy Surrounds AI in Education
AI’s increasing role in education hasn’t been without debate. While proponents tout AI’s ability to enhance learning, concerns remain regarding its current capabilities and the potential for over-reliance on technology. Officials from the largest teachers’ union in the country have emphasized the importance of human teachers. They believe that people are, “always [to] be the center of the teaching and learning experience, and play a significant role.”
When asked about the role of teachers, Xu confirmed their continued involvement. “There will be teachers, and we’re hiring for Arizona certified teachers, as well as equivalently certified teachers around.”
Data Privacy Concerns Addressed
Board members voiced concerns about student data privacy during the approval process. In response to inquiries, school officials affirmed that they meet all federal mandates regarding student privacy, including FERPA.
Unbound Academy is also launching a dual-language AI school.
This news report was compiled by FOX 10’s Steve Nielsen.
