Artificial Intelligence in U.S. Schools: How AI Is Transforming Education

The U.S. education system is preparing for a major transformation by fall 2025, driven by the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Federal initiatives, investments from tech giants, and efforts by local school districts aim to make AI an essential part of the learning process. However, the shift brings both opportunities and challenges.

Federal initiatives: a focus on AI literacy

On April 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the executive order “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth”, which outlines a national plan to integrate AI into K–12 education. The initiative is designed to foster AI literacy among both students and teachers and to prepare a future-ready workforce. Key goals include:

• Providing professional development for teachers in AI;
• Integrating AI into curricula;
• Launching the “Presidential AI Challenge” to spark interest in AI among students and educators.

Presidential AI Challenge is a competition where participants (students and teachers) develop AI-based projects to solve real-world problems — from environmental issues to education. The best ideas receive recognition and support.

Training teachers to use AI

According to a RAND study, by fall 2024, approximately 48% of U.S. school districts had conducted training for teachers on how to use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. That’s nearly double the number from the previous year. By fall 2025, nearly three-quarters of districts are expected to offer such training. However, access remains uneven: 67% of teachers in low-poverty districts have received training, compared to only 39% in high-poverty districts.

The role of tech companies: investing in the future

Major tech companies are also playing a key role in transforming education:

• Google has invested $25 million in AI teacher training and curriculum development, including courses on responsible AI use and expanded access to its Gemini tool with parental controls.
• Kira Learning, a startup founded by Stanford professor and Coursera co-founder Andrew Ng, offers AI teaching assistants to help educators with lesson planning, assessments, and personalized instruction.

Pilot programs: local-level experience

In Connecticut, seven school districts are participating in a pilot program that introduces AI into the curriculum for students in grades 7–12. The program includes using AI for feedback, personalized learning, and developing critical thinking skills. It also offers professional development for teachers and promotes education in digital citizenship.

Digital citizenship refers to the ability to use digital technologies and the internet safely, responsibly, and ethically. In other words, it’s a set of skills and behaviors that help individuals become literate, respectful, and secure participants in the digital environment.

What do teachers and parents think?

Despite AI’s potential, there are legitimate concerns:

• Parents worry about increased screen time and a possible decline in educational quality.
• Teachers express concerns about AI replacing traditional teaching methods and deepening educational inequality.

The National Education Association (NEA) has outlined five principles for AI use in education, emphasizing ethics, equity, and the continued role of the teacher:

1. Students and educators must remain at the center of education. AI should serve the needs of students and support the professional expertise of educators.
2. AI should enhance learning and be evidence-based. AI technologies must improve educational outcomes and demonstrate effectiveness.
3. Ethical development and strong data protection are essential. AI must be used responsibly, with strict privacy safeguards.
4. Equitable access to AI tools must be ensured. Every student, regardless of background, should benefit from AI.
5. Ongoing education with and about AI is crucial. Schools must teach both how to use AI and how to critically understand it.

The future of education: a human-AI symbiosis?

The integration of AI into U.S. schools is a key step toward modernizing education. But it requires balance — between technological capabilities and the human aspects of teaching. Ensuring equitable access, supporting educators, and involving all stakeholders will be critical.

Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn believes AI will make education more personalized and scalable — but schools will still be essential as spaces for social development.

What do you think? Is bringing AI into the classroom a necessary step toward the future — or a shift that may create more problems than solutions?