While most Americans are still skeptical about artificial intelligence, some wealthy families have already started investing real money in AI education. They are abandoning traditional schools and sending their children to institutions like Forge Prep and Alpha School, where kids serve as test subjects for AI tutoring tools and "interactive project-based learning" classes, with annual fees reaching up to $75,000 (about 510,000 RMB).

Silicon Valley investors lead the way by "taking the plunge"

As expected, Silicon Valley residents are the main supporters of this new educational model. Sean Johnson, a risk investor based in San Francisco, told the Wall Street Journal that he plans to send his son to Alpha School, which charges $75,000 per year. His reasoning is straightforward: "Our current education system clearly has flaws, and there will inevitably be entrepreneurs who try to reform it. We want our children to be adaptable and able to cope with the real world, rather than just memorizing specific knowledge points in one subject."

This statement reflects the consensus among many tech elites: traditional education produces standardized talent, while the AI era requires people who can quickly adapt to changes and solve real-world problems. In their view, instead of having children memorize facts in class, AI systems should tailor teaching paths to each child's learning pace, fostering genuine critical thinking and hands-on skills.

Data gap: Can "AI private schools" fulfill their promises?

However, this educational model is not without controversy. Alpha School co-founder McKenzie Price once stated that she intends to exclude various "sensitive social issues" from the classroom. Considering the current political climate, this may mean that topics such as women's rights, the history of American slavery, and the development of immigration will not be included in the curriculum. While this might not be significant for kindergarten students, Alpha School's programs extend to high school level in some branches, raising concerns about the completeness of education.