Alpha School and Forge Prep AI Private Schools Expand in US Elite Education

Wealthy families in the United States are paying annual tuition of $40,000 to $75,000 to enroll their children in AI‑driven private schools such as Alpha School and Forge Prep. Alpha School, founded in Texas, announced eight new campuses for 2025 and plans to open about 24 additional sites in 2026, including locations in the Bay Area, Palo Alto and Malibu. The schools market a “2 Hour Learning” model where AI tutors handle core subjects for two hours each day while the remaining time is devoted to projects, leadership, financial‑literacy and entrepreneurship activities. Tuition is funded by Silicon Valley investors; venture capitalist Shaun Johnson said he will send his son to Alpha School because he sees flaws in the traditional system. The schools claim top‑percent test scores but provide no third‑party evidence, and co‑founder MacKenzie Price says curricula will avoid “sensitive social issues.” Critics note the lack of transparent performance data and question whether AI tutoring can truly develop critical thinking.

Similar AI‑private‑school concepts are being discussed in Germany and other markets, but the core development centers on US elite education and the growing interest of high‑net‑worth families in replacing conventional schooling with technology‑enabled alternatives.