Elite private schools push AI tutors as concerns about inequality grow

In short: A small group of expensive private schools is betting on AI tutors to personalize learning, even as researchers and parents warn about unknown long-term effects and growing inequality.

What's going on

Some of the newest and most expensive private schools are building their teaching model around AI, meaning computer systems that can respond to students like a tutor. Founders School, opening in Manhattan this September, says students will study for about three hours a day with an “AI tutor” that adapts to each child’s level.

Founders School charges $150,000 a year and plans to take only 20 students at first. It also says it will refund tuition if a student does not make $1 million “in profit” by the end of its four-year high school program. The rest of the day is meant for students to work with mentors and build businesses that they own.

Other schools are trying similar approaches. In London, David Game College uses an AI learning platform and compresses study time into three hours, with a focus on helping students, including those who speak different languages. Inspired Education Group, which runs 125 private schools, says it will open seven AI-enabled primary schools next year, including one in central London, and it expects higher fees than its other schools.

What to watch

Researchers say there has been limited proof of how AI-heavy schooling affects students over many years. Critics also argue it could widen gaps between wealthy families who can afford premium programs and everyone else. A large study in China found higher homework scores after AI tools were introduced, but lower exam scores, so parents and schools will be watching results closely.

Source: Financial Times