In a quiet shift that may signal a broader evolution in education, two Arizona schools, Unbound Academy and Novatio School, are among the first in the state to fully embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as part of their core instructional model. The changes are not about replacing teachers with machines, school leaders emphasize, but about using technology to amplify what educators do best.

An evolving role for teachers in the age of AI

At Novatio School in Phoenix, middle school teacher JP Guerra no longer spends hours grading homework or preparing one-size-fits-all lessons. Instead, AI handles much of the administrative load, allowing Guerra to focus on mentoring students, leading classroom discussions, and providing individualized support.

“AI helps us do the stuff we got into teaching for,” Guerra said. “It frees us from the repetitive tasks so we can really connect with our students.”

Rather than automating instruction, these schools are using AI as an adaptive tool that tailors academic content to each student’s pace and comprehension level. The technology delivers instant feedback, allowing learners to progress once they’ve demonstrated mastery, not simply after a set number of days.‍

From worksheets to real-world projects

This streamlined academic approach leaves more room in the day for hands-on, project-based learning. Students at Unbound and Novatio spend afternoons working on entrepreneurial ventures, digital storytelling, or even building their own video games and mobile apps.

“Our goal is to prepare students for an AI-native world, not just academically but creatively,” said Ivy Xu, CEO of Prequel, the education group behind both schools.

That emphasis on creativity and critical thinking is part of a broader strategy to develop life skills often left out of traditional curricula. In addition to core subjects, students explore topics like leadership, personal finance, and media literacy. These skills are increasingly vital in a tech-driven economy.

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