This $55K School Will Have No Homework, or Teachers
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A new private school opening in Chicago this fall plans to charge families $55,000 per year while operating without traditional classroom teachers. The school, run by Alpha Schools, will move into the former GEMS World Academy building and introduce a model where students complete their core academic work using an artificial intelligence platform rather than direct instruction from teachers.
Under the plan, students would spend about two hours each day working through their academic subjects using the AI system. The rest of the school day would be devoted to hands-on projects and activities designed to build practical skills. Examples include running small business-style ventures such as food trucks or giving presentations similar to TEDx talks.
Instead of teachers, adults in the classroom will serve as “guides.” Their role will focus on encouraging students, helping with motivation, and supporting life-skills development rather than providing academic instruction. Academic support will primarily come from the software itself, though remote specialists may join sessions when additional help is needed. According to the Chicago Tribune, these guides do not necessarily have traditional teaching credentials or subject-area expertise.
The company also operates an at-home program called Alpha Anywhere. That program provides students with customized courses, coaching, and other support designed around each learner’s needs.
Alpha Schools points to strong test results from its students, saying their scores fall within the top 1% to 2% nationwide. Co-founder MacKenzie Price also cites a survey of Alpha students across the country that indicates most of them say they enjoy school.
Still, the model has raised concerns among some education researchers and Chicago officials. Critics say the approach is largely untested, relies heavily on tracking student data, and is only accessible to families able to afford very high tuition.
The concept has also drawn political attention. The Trump administration has shown interest in the model, while some public-school advocates have questioned its implications. Price maintains that the Alpha network itself does not align with any political side and describes the organization as politically neutral.
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