The Arizona State Board for Charter Schools has approved a new online-only school with a unique feature: its entire curriculum will be taught by AI. Charter schools, which operate independently but receive public funding, often have more freedom in teaching methods than traditional public schools. Unbound Academy's application introduces a pioneering concept with an "AI-driven adaptive learning technology" that delivers academic content in a two-hour session.

Though this AI model is new for charter schools, Unbound’s founders have already implemented a similar program at an in-person, high-end private school in Texas. Unbound's educational strategy utilizes ed-tech platforms like IXL and Khan Academy, where students interact with "AI-powered platforms" that adapt to each student's learning speed and style. While human involvement is reduced, the school will use a "human-in-the-loop" system with "skilled guides" to monitor student progress and offer "targeted interventions" and coaching without necessarily employing accredited teachers. The school's academic focus is condensed into two hours, with the rest of the day dedicated to "life-skills workshops" on topics like critical thinking, creative problem-solving, financial literacy, public speaking, goal setting, and entrepreneurship. Unbound Academy targets students in grades four through eight.