Alpha School has been making headlines, but its future is uncertain, according to Benjamin Riley, founder of Cognitive Resonance. Riley, who has worked in education for two decades, argues that Alpha School is not the transformative model it claims to be. Despite its recent media attention, the school’s growth and impact remain limited, with enrollment figures suggesting a niche reach rather than widespread adoption.
Three Faces of Alpha School
Riley sees Alpha School as three distinct entities: a network of small private schools, a public charter school in Arizona, and an aspiring ed-tech company. The private schools, with tuition ranging from $40,000 to $75,000, cater to a wealthy demographic, limiting their growth potential. These schools often serve fewer than 10 students per program, further constraining their scalability. Additionally, the high costs enable exclusive experiences, such as swimming with Navy SEALs or participating in entrepreneurial competitions, which are inaccessible to most families.
The charter school, operating under the Unbound Academy brand, has faced rejections in multiple states and underperformed in Arizona. Despite promises of 60% proficiency in math and English, the school fell short, with 10% in math and 28% in English, compared to the state averages of 34% and 42%, respectively. Notably, their English proficiency projection of 65% off a 40% baseline ended at 28%, not only missing their target but also falling below Arizona’s statewide average of 42%. This performance gap raises questions about the school’s ability to deliver on its academic promises.
The Ed-Tech Ambitions
Alpha School’s real growth plan lies in its ed-tech aspirations. Led by billionaire Joe Liemandt, the school aims to reach one billion kids through AI-driven technology. However, Riley is skeptical, citing the failure of similar initiatives like Alt School and Summit Learning Platform. These predecessors, despite their ambitious goals, struggled to achieve meaningful impact, often due to their overreliance on technology and underestimation of the value of human teaching.
The school’s reliance on technology over human teaching is a concern. While Carl Hendrick, a prominent figure in the “science of learning” community, claims that “learning is governed by the same biological laws as digestion”, Riley argues that this notion is far removed from classroom realities. Hendrick’s assertion that “you can’t scale good teaching” contradicts the foundational principle of public education: that quality teaching can and should be accessible to all. This perspective overlooks the cultural and evolutionary preference for human-led learning, which has proven more effective than technology-driven models.
Riley predicts that Alpha School will not transform education and will eventually join the ranks of failed ed-tech ventures. Its model, he argues, is based on misguided ideas about the purpose of education and the role of schools in society. As of August 2025, Alpha School’s nationwide enrollment stood at 230 students, with 150 in its Austin flagship campus, highlighting its limited reach despite ambitious expansion claims.
The Two-Hour Learning Model
Alpha School’s unique approach to education involves a “two-hour learning” model. Students spend two hours each morning on laptops, using ed-tech products to cover core academics. The afternoons are dedicated to four hours of hands-on, group-based “life skills” workshops. While this model aims to blend technology with practical learning, it raises concerns about the balance between screen time and interpersonal interaction, which is key for holistic development.
The Role of Educators and the Future of Alpha School
Larry Ferlazzo, a former award-winning high school English and social studies teacher with over two decades of experience, shares his perspective on Alpha School. Currently a volunteer tutor for English-learner newcomers and youth in juvenile hall, Ferlazzo highlights the socioeconomic barriers that limit the school’s growth, as well as the challenges faced by its charter school initiatives. His insights show the importance of human-centered education and the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to learning. Ferlazzo’s firsthand experience with diverse student populations provides a critical lens through which to evaluate Alpha School’s claims and limitations.
