MacKenzie Price

MacKenzie Price is a Stanford-educated entrepreneur recognized for her contributions to education reform and the integration of artificial intelligence in K-12 learning. Price holds a degree in psychology from Stanford University and has focused her career on developing innovative educational models. As founder of Future of Education and Alpha Schools, Price has introduced new approaches to schooling that leverage AI to redesign the school day, enabling students to address real-world challenges, build life skills, and become self-directed learners.

Price’s interest in education reform began when her daughter expressed dissatisfaction with traditional classroom experiences. Observing the limitations of public schools, Price started Alpha as a homeschooling initiative, which later evolved into a private school in Austin. This experience led to the creation of the 2 Hour Learning model, which allows students to complete core academics in two hours each day, dedicating the remaining time to pursuing individual interests and mastering essential life skills.

Alpha School operates campuses in Austin, Miami, Scottsdale, San Francisco, and lower Manhattan. The Alpha model has expanded to Alpha High, Sports Academy, NextGen Academy, and GT School, impacting hundreds of students. Students at Alpha schools consistently score in the top 1–2 percent nationally, and more than 90 percent report a positive school experience. Alpha students have developed AI-powered mental health tools, testified before Congress, and launched social initiatives prior to graduation.

Price has also developed a charter school model that utilizes two hours of AI instruction in place of traditional teaching, expanding this approach to cyber schools under the Unbound Academic Institute brand. In addition to her work with schools, Price maintains a public presence through the Future of Education podcast and YouTube channel, where she discusses the role of AI in education and strategies for aligning student passions with academic growth. As a member of Forbes Technology Council, she contributes to ongoing discussions about the future of education, technology, and learning innovation.

Price’s philosophy centers on rethinking how children learn, work, and think in an AI-driven world. Her approach has attracted both supporters and critics, sparking debate about the direction of education reform. With a global community of over one million followers on Instagram, Price continues to influence conversations about the need for systemic change in education.