America's wealthy elite is preparing its kids for the AI era. Some wealthy families are turning away from traditional schools and seeking alternatives.
These parents argue that AI will reshape the economy and that old teaching methods can't keep up, the Wall Street Journal reports. They're choosing schools that focus on life skills, call teachers "guides" or "coaches," and use AI tutors that tailor the curriculum to each child.
Alpha School, founded twelve years ago in Austin, Texas, offers two hours of AI tutoring followed by project-based workshops. The AI platform tracks how engaged students are and adjusts lessons in real time. Tuition runs up to $75,000 a year. Every on-site learning guide earns a six-figure salary, according to spokesperson Anna Davlantes.
The school added eight new locations in 2025, including San Francisco and New York. Nearly two dozen more are planned for fall, in places like Palo Alto and Malibu. Alpha also sells homeschooling software and its competency-based curriculum. Many Alpha families in New York work in finance or run their own businesses, while Bay Area families tend to come from tech, Davlantes says. Billionaire Bill Ackman is reportedly among the school's high-profile fans.
