New private school in downtown Chicago using artificial intelligence to teach students

A new school in Chicago is taking a different approach to education, using what they call AI-powered software to teach core subjects like math, science, and reading.

Students at Alpha Chicago in the Lakeshore East neighborhood spend two hours each morning learning core subjects on a computer – like math, science, and reading – using a software program called "2 Hour Learning."

"At first, I thought it would feel like going on my iPad, but it feels so much more different, like I'm actually learning," Alpha Chicago student Owen said.

The rest of their day is spent developing real-world skills like sewing, cooking, and navigating public transportation.

Alpha Schools doesn't use traditional teachers. Instead, classes are led by "guides," who go by their first names and oversee each group of students.

Most guides don't have a background in education. A February analysis from the University of Colorado's National Education Policy Center, a nonpartisan think tank, reported that only about one-third of Alpha guides have education training or degrees.   

Carrington Haas is the lead guide of Alpha Chicago.

"AI is a component of it, but I think truly the impressive and the magic part of Alpha is the way that we are able to teach the life skills," she said.