Fidji Simo, a former executive at Facebook and Instacart who joined OpenAI in 2025, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on September 20, 2026, that she has enrolled her daughter in Alpha School, a private American institution with a unique educational approach. Alpha School is not well-known in France, even as alternative education methods like Montessori gain more recognition there. The school's model differs significantly from traditional education, offering only about two hours of structured academic study each morning. During this time, students use adaptive software that personalizes lessons in subjects like math, reading, and science to match each child's learning level. The school claims this condensed format is equivalent to a full day of lessons in conventional schools. Simo expressed her enthusiasm for the school’s approach, noting on X that the AI-driven education allows her daughter to focus on developing practical, real-world skills in the afternoon. She mentioned that after just a few weeks, her daughter has shown noticeable changes in behavior and learning outcomes. The school does not rely solely on chatbots or AI tools. Instead, it uses adaptive learning platforms combined with tracking systems that adjust lesson difficulty based on student performance. These tools identify areas where students need more help and allow those who have mastered a subject to move forward. Teachers are present but described as "guides" who support students rather than direct instruction. After the two-hour academic session, students engage in afternoon workshops centered on "life skills," such as public speaking, programming, leadership, and entrepreneurship. These vary depending on the campus and session. Alpha School claims its students progress twice as fast as those in traditional schools and that its classes rank among the top 1% in the U.S. However, these claims are based on self-reported data and should be viewed with caution. The school's high annual tuition, ranging from $45,000 to $75,000, suggests it primarily serves wealthy families, although some scholarship programs exist. Alpha School is expanding rapidly, with plans to open around 50 new campuses in the U.S. during the 2026-2027 school year. However, some parents, former students, and employees have raised concerns. A report by Wired in October 2025 highlighted accounts of children working at home to meet software-imposed goals and noted pressure from reward systems in some campuses. Alpha School denied allegations of mistreatment, emphasizing student safety and well-being as its top priorities. Regulatory challenges also exist, as the school's initial application to recognize its New York campus as an independent school was denied by the state’s education department. At the time of the June 2026 report, the campus operated as a support center for homeschooled children, though the school stated that families were informed of this status and a new application had been submitted. Simo’s choice has brought increased attention to Alpha School, sparking discussions about whether the two-hour academic model truly delivers the same educational outcomes as a full day in traditional schools. It also raises questions about the long-term impact on students' well-being and the broader implications of such an unconventional approach to education.