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.

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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.

Closing the gap in financial education

Arizona currently does not mandate financial literacy education statewide, but Novatio is working to fill that gap. In partnership with Prequel and the 2-Hour Learning platform, the school is offering free financial literacy workshops open to students across the Valley.

The workshops, “$10 Skills vs. $10,000 Skills” and “Building Your Dream Life,” aim to equip students with real-world money management strategies. Participants learn how to budget, understand credit, and calculate the true cost of adult life based on job salaries and housing data.

“These courses are intended to empower students with the tools they need to succeed financially, especially in a state where such education is not yet standardized,” Xu said.

Making innovation accessible

Despite the high-tech approach, accessibility remains a cornerstone of both programs. Unbound Academy is tuition-free and Novatio participates in Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, making them viable options for families across the Phoenix metro area.

“This isn’t about gimmicks or screen time,” said MacKenzie Price, co-founder of the 2-Hour Learning model. “It’s about giving every student the chance to learn at their own pace and to build something meaningful in the process.”

As AI reshapes industries, these schools are betting it can do the same for education, not as a disruptor but as a partner in personalizing how young people learn, create, and prepare for the future.

To learn more, visit unbound.school or novatio.school.