SPONSORED BY ALPHA SCHOOL
COVID-19 didn’t just disrupt education— it exposed deep flaws in how we teach and learn. Among those hardest hit were middle and high school students, who face severe setbacks and are racing against the clock to catch up before college. The gaps in knowledge are alarming: on average, eighth graders need an additional 7.4 months to catch up in reading and 9.1 months in math, according to the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) (2023). However, data shows that students who accessed online tutoring programs were able to catch up in their learning and in many cases, soar ahead. Asha, an incoming fifth grader at Alpha School in Austin, Texas, faced challenges after falling behind almost two grade levels in math and one grade in reading, during the pandemic. Her parents, like most, were unaware of the extent of their child’s proficiency. These gaps, compounded over time, are not isolated incidents—they represent a call for innovative solutions so that our children are set up to succeed, not struggle.
Mind The Gap: COVID’s Educational Wreckage & How To Fix It
Three years after the onset of COVID-19, national test scores reveal a troubling reality: most students are still performing below grade level. The 2022 NAEP 'Nation's Report Card'' (2022) shows over a third of 8th graders are unable to do grade-level math, while 37% of 4th graders and 30% of 8th graders fall short in reading.
The reality is that students like Asha are falling behind, and without proven intervention, their academic problems are likely to compound over time. A student who struggles with multiplication in fourth grade is unlikely to be prepared for fractions. Students are advancing to the next grade level without comprehension, creating a shaky foundation for their educational future.
For Asha, it took a matter of months for her to catch up at the innovative Alpha School using personalized learning with an AI tutor that helped close her knowledge gaps. Asha ended up soaring two grade levels ahead in her math because she was in a school that offers these custom tools. Unlike traditional classrooms with rigid, one-size-fits-all methods, Alpha tailors learning plans to each student’s aptitudes and interests. For example, one Alpha student used ChatGPT to prepare for her American history exam by substituting key facts she needed to learn with lyrics from her favorite Taylor Swift song. These innovative approaches not only build confidence but also reignite a love for learning and help students reach their true potential. Unfortunately, most traditional schools remain ill-equipped to meet the complex needs of today’s students, clinging to outdated models that fail to address these real challenges.
Traditional Education’s Failure
There is hope in educational science. Renowned educational researcher Benjamin Bloom showed how one-on-one tutoring and mastery-based learning - where students only move forward after mastering the material - dramatically improves student outcomes. For Asha, comprehensive assessments identified her true academic level, allowing her to build a solid foundation. After her first year at Alpha, she closed her learning gaps and started the school year above grade level. One of her most challenging subjects, science, is now her favorite.
Traditional schools, with large class sizes and generalized curricula, simply cannot provide this level of personalized attention. Teachers are forced to teach in the middle, leaving both struggling and advanced students without the support they need. While scaling personalized education has always been a challenge, new technologies, including AI, are changing the game.
The Power of 1:1 Learning and Mastery-Based Education
The fear of new technology is as old as the technology itself, but history has shown that innovation is the key to progress. AI, once misunderstood, is now transforming education. It provides the personalized, one-on-one tutoring that students need to both catch up and excel. This mastery-based learning makes high-quality education accessible to all, while preserving the vital human connection at its core.
At Alpha School, the 2 Hour Learning model combines AI tutoring with the support of an adult, as a guide or coach, motivates students to accelerate their learning. Students at Alpha spend just two hours a day mastering academics tailored to their individual needs and pace, while the remaining four hours focus on developing critical life skills like leadership, teamwork, and financial literacy. These hands-on experiences provide students with the tools they need to succeed in both school and life.
Revolutionizing Education with AI and 2 Hour Learning
The impact of the 2 Hour Learning model at Alpha School is nothing short of extraordinary. MAP tests, administered three times a year here, consistently show that Alpha students learn twice as fast as their peers in traditional settings, as shown in the 2023-24 school year results. This accelerated learning is not just a one-off; it’s the new standard. This is setting a new standard for academic achievement and demonstrating the profound impact that personalized, AI-driven education can have on student outcomes.
Proven Results
AI may be central to Alpha’s model, but human connection remains a key ingredient. Teachers at Alpha have transformed into Guides—mentors who inspire and support every student. These Guides help students navigate personalized learning, providing motivation and encouragement. They don’t just focus on academics but also on developing life skills like grit, problem-solving, and resilience. The combination of AI-driven academics and human mentorship creates an environment where students thrive.
The Human Touch: Guides at Alpha
Now is the time to take action. Don’t allow your child to fall further behind. Dive deeper into our methods, explore the results, and see for yourself how the 2 Hour Learning model is redefining what’s possible in education. This isn’t just a new way of learning—it’s a revolution. Your child’s future depends on the choices you make today. Choose to embrace innovation, choose to support personalized learning, and choose to join the educational revolution. Your child deserves to be a part of the future of education.
Join the Educational Revolution
Alpha High challenges students and changes the nature of their educational experience. This school isn't just preparing students for the next exam but for life's challenges and opportunities. With a curriculum designed around personal strengths and interests, complemented by real-world projects like life-skills workshops and the AlphaX Masterpiece, Alpha High students are poised to forge their own successful paths in life. This new way of learning supports the next generation of leaders and innovators for the future. Students stand ready to change the world, but first, they must enter the world of a redefined education.
Unlock Limitless Potential Today
Join the Educational Revolution
The time to fear technology is over. In today’s rapidly evolving world, embracing innovation—especially in education—is essential. AI-powered learning isn’t a distant concept; it’s already here, transforming how students learn. The pandemic may have set students back, but with data-driven approaches like 2 Hour Learning, they not only have the chance to catch up but also to exceed academic expectations.
Requiring students to sit in a chair for six hours a day is an outdated, ineffective model. Students need engaging learning environments that foster curiosity and active participation to develop life skills. By harnessing AI, we can personalize education in a way that meets each student's unique needs and interests, allowing for shorter, more focused learning periods. This shift creates a more effective and equitable system that better prepares students for their future.
Embrace Innovation, Ditch Fear
