Key Takeaways:
- 85% of teachers used AI in the classroom during the 2024-25 school year, and 86% of students used it for school or personal use.
- AI-powered educational software, such as "Mojo," is being used to provide personalized learning experiences for students.
- Some schools, like Alpha School in Arizona, are using AI to replace traditional teaching methods, with students spending only two hours per day learning core subjects with a computer.
- Concerns about cheating and the responsible use of AI in the classroom are growing, with 26% of educators reporting that they have caught a student cheating using ChatGPT.
- The Department of Education has issued guidance on the use of AI in schools, emphasizing the importance of educating students on AI literacy and supporting professional development for educators.
Introduction to AI in the Classroom
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live and learn, and its impact on education is no exception. According to a report by the nonprofit Center for Democracy and Technology, 85% of teachers used AI in the classroom during the 2024-25 school year, and 86% of students used it for school or personal use. As AI continues to integrate into our daily lives, it’s no surprise that it’s becoming an increasingly important tool in the classroom. As one district official noted, "It’s helping to give feedback to students who maybe are afraid to ask for help in the first place."
The Use of AI in Sumner County Schools
In Sumner County Schools in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the use of AI is not only encouraged but expected. The district has implemented an educational AI software called "Mojo," which works one-on-one with students as a teaching assistant. According to the district, Mojo has already shown promising results, with students seeing an 8% year-over-year increase in standardized test scores. As officials noted, "We fundamentally believe that all students can learn." The use of Mojo has also helped to empower parents and teachers, generating lesson plans and tracking test scores.
The AI-Powered Alpha School
Across the country in Scottsdale, Arizona, Alpha School is taking a different approach to education. The self-proclaimed AI-powered private school has no traditional teachers, instead using AI to provide core instruction to students for two hours a day. As Matt Shenker, lead guide at Alpha School, explained, "What it means is we as the adults in the space take ourselves out of being the authority figure in charge of teaching academics." The rest of the school day is spent in workshops with human guides, learning real-life skills such as public speaking and financial literacy. Shenker believes that AI allows for a personalized learning experience at scale, and that it’s "hyper personalized, just like if you were working one-on-one with somebody."
Concerns about Cheating and Responsible Use
As AI becomes more prevalent in the classroom, concerns about cheating and responsible use are growing. According to a survey from Study.com, 26% of educators say they’ve caught a student cheating using ChatGPT. Liz Shulman, a teacher outside of Chicago, noted that "this is so hard to manage, and students can do it at home. It’s ultimately robbing students of the ability to think critically and to use their imagination." However, tech expert Richard Culatta believes that educators should encourage responsible use early on, as he believes the technology is here to stay. As he noted, "I think it’d be far better to say, what does it mean to be a good digital citizen? What does it mean to use any technology… whether it has AI behind it or not… in a way that is helping you be a creative learner?"
Federal Guidance and Future Expansion
In July 2025, the Department of Education issued guidance on the use of AI in schools, outlining key areas including educating students on AI literacy, supporting professional development for educators teaching AI, and using it to personalize instruction for students at all levels. As the use of AI in education continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see more schools and districts implementing AI-powered programs like Mojo and Alpha School. In fact, Sumner County Schools is already planning to expand its use of Mojo to high school classes. As the superintendent noted, "I think it is one of the best things we’ve done because it empowers parents, it empowers students, it empowers teachers."
https://www.investigatetv.com/2026/01/28/ai-schools-how-many-teachers-students-embrace-artificial-intelligence-education-tool/
