Alpha School, the private K-12 educational institution known for its AI-powered curriculum, is set to launch more than a dozen new campuses across the United States. The expansion comes in response to growing demand for its distinctive "2 Hour Learning" model, as highlighted by tech entrepreneur Austen Allred. Allred stated in a recent tweet, "> Those of you who keep asking me when Alpha School will launch near them: They’re launching a dozen new campuses now."
The school, founded by MacKenzie Price and Andrew Price, employs an AI-driven adaptive software for core academics, complemented by in-person adult "Guides" who provide motivational and emotional support instead of traditional teaching. This model aims to allow students to master subjects at their own pace, with the academic portion of the day typically completed within two hours. The remaining school hours are dedicated to workshops focusing on life skills, entrepreneurship, and collaborative projects.
Alpha School's current footprint includes campuses in Austin, Brownsville, Miami, San Francisco, Scottsdale, and Fort Worth. Planned expansion locations for Fall 2025 include Santa Barbara, New York City, and additional sites in Arizona. Tuition at Alpha School varies by location, with costs reported around $40,000 annually in Austin and up to $75,000 in San Francisco, reflecting a premium model in the private education sector.
The rapid expansion of Alpha School aligns with a broader trend of integrating artificial intelligence into education, though its approach has drawn both interest and scrutiny. Critics have raised concerns regarding the lack of independent verification for the school's claims of accelerated learning and the potential impact on students' social development. For instance, the Pennsylvania Department of Education rejected a charter application for an Alpha-affiliated school, citing the "untested" nature of its AI instructional model.
Despite these criticisms, Alpha School officials emphasize that their model prioritizes individualized learning paths and motivates students by freeing up time for passion projects and practical skill development. The school graduated its first class of seniors in 2025, with a high percentage matriculating into four-year universities. This expansion signifies a significant push to scale Alpha School's unique educational philosophy across the country, aiming to redefine traditional schooling with technology at its core.