Two Huge Opportunities for Independent Schools in the Age of AI

If you read my sentiments last week after reflecting on several international speaking engagements about the future of education (Which you can read here), you may have been depressed about the threats—or perhaps inspired about the opportunities.

While the rise of artificial intelligence poses serious questions for the future of education, I believe it also reveals two distinct opportunities for independent schools:

1. Relationships Still Win
AI can retrieve, synthesize, and even generate knowledge—but it cannot replace the human need for connection. The core business of independent schools has always been rooted in relationships: student to teacher, peer to peer, mentor to mentee. In a world of accelerating automation, this relational model becomes more—not less—valuable. Our opportunity is to harness AI for everything it can do, while doubling down on what it cannot.

2. Leading Ethically into the Future
Independent schools have long positioned themselves as institutions that educate young people to create a better future. As AI becomes a playground for both innovators and bad actors, we have a moral imperative to lead the way in responsible, ethical use. Our students will not just use AI—they will shape how it’s used. That means character, discernment, and values matter more than ever.

These are not sideline opportunities. They are central to who we are—and who we must become. We are standing again at one of those critical moments in the history and evolution of education. Those with independent missions—and the courage and creativity—will shape the future.