Two Arizona-based schools are introducing new approaches to education that combine artificial intelligence with real-world learning experiences.

Unbound Academy, the first virtual charter school powered by AI, and Novatio, a private virtual school for grades 4–8, are building models that emphasize immersive clubs and project-based courses alongside core academics. Both schools use Prequel curriculum to compress core subjects into two hours a day, freeing time for hands-on learning, according to a press release.

“Kids will never out-AI AI,” said Michael Goto, head of school at Unbound Academy. “So instead of competing with it, we’re using it to give students something far more valuable: time. Two hours of highly personalized, AI-supported academics, and the rest of the day to explore, build, and learn through real-world experience. That’s where growth really happens.”

Mr. Goto said the approach allows teachers to focus on connection while technology handles data.

Students at Unbound and Novatio can choose from clubs such as Creative Canvas, a collaborative art and design studio; Fluent, a global language and culture club; Launchpad, an entrepreneurship lab; On Air, a storytelling and broadcasting club; RoboLab, a coding and robotics workshop; and The Studio, a makerspace for passion projects.

Other offerings include Pirate Ship/Rocketship, a motivational accountability model, and Wealth Builders, a finance lab simulating adult life.

“Technology should give teachers more time to connect, not less,” Goto added. “Prequel helps us do exactly that. It handles the data so humans can handle the development.”

Families nationwide are taking note, with rolling enrollment, small class sizes and free information sessions available.