What happened
The City of Evanston approved a zoning analysis application filed by CDS Development to convert the former Roycemore School building at 1200 Davis St. into an Alpha School location. Alpha School, a for-profit network that uses AI software for two hours of daily instruction, plans to open at this site by fall 2027. The approval allows for minor interior cosmetic changes but does not guarantee the school's arrival, as Alpha must still secure a lease or purchase agreement with the building's current owners. Alpha spokesperson Anna Davlantes stated it is premature to confirm the 2027 opening or the specific site, while a campus coordinator confirmed the expansion plan. The former Roycemore School, which closed due to financial issues, is a 55,000-square-foot building that Alpha intends to renovate with new furniture and painting.
The City of Evanston spokesperson Cynthia Vargas confirmed that a zoning analysis application to convert the former Roycemore School building into an Alpha School was approved this month. The application, filed on August 10 by Hannah Batson of CDS Development, requested only minor interior cosmetic changes such as painting and new furniture, indicating the building's existing structure is suitable for the school's needs.
Alpha School describes its model as AI-powered, with students using artificial intelligence software for two hours daily before attending workshops. The school does not employ certified teachers; instead, it hires 'guides' who only need a bachelor's degree. Alpha's Chicago location opened earlier this month, and the company plans to expand to Evanston by fall 2027, though a spokesperson called confirming the specific site premature.
The former Roycemore School, which operated for 111 years, announced in July that it would not open for the 2026-27 school year due to steep financial problems. The 55,000-square-foot building was renovated in 2012 and includes a gymnasium. Cook County records show no change in ownership to date, and Roycemore officials did not respond to requests for comment regarding a potential sale or lease to Alpha.
Alpha School and its parent company, 2 Hour Learning, were co-founded in 2014 by MacKenzie Price and Brian Holtz. The company has received funding from billionaire Joe Liemandt, who has expressed a goal of scaling the model to reach 1 billion students. 2 Hour Learning also has a partnership with Guidepost Global, which operates a Montessori school two blocks away, though Guidepost Montessori's head of school stated they have no plans to use AI or allow Alpha to run programs in their building.
Source details: evanstonroundtable.com ↗
Why it matters
This development marks a significant expansion of AI-centric private education into a major urban market, challenging traditional school structures by replacing certified teachers with AI software and bachelor's-degree-holding 'guides.' The move highlights the growing commercialization of AI in K-12 education and the potential displacement of established private institutions due to financial instability. It also raises questions about the regulatory and zoning frameworks for non-traditional educational models that rely heavily on software rather than human instruction.
The approval of the zoning analysis signals a tangible step in the expansion of AI-driven private schools, which represent a distinct shift from traditional educational models that rely on certified human teachers. This move could influence how other municipalities regulate and zone for non-traditional educational facilities that prioritize software over staff credentials.
The financial collapse of Roycemore, a long-standing private school, highlights the economic pressures facing traditional institutions and the potential for AI-focused competitors to fill the void. This dynamic may accelerate the adoption of AI in education as a cost-effective alternative, raising broader questions about educational quality and equity.
The involvement of billionaire Joe Liemandt and the partnership with Guidepost Global suggest a coordinated strategy to expand AI education through both direct operations and strategic alliances. This could lead to a more fragmented educational landscape where AI-centric schools operate alongside traditional institutions, potentially creating new market dynamics and competitive pressures.
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What to watch next
Monitor whether Alpha School finalizes a lease or purchase agreement for the Roycemore building, as the zoning approval is only a preliminary step. Watch for any public pushback from local residents or educational advocates regarding the use of AI for primary instruction and the lack of certified teachers. Additionally, track the operational status of the nearby Guidepost Montessori, which has a partnership with Alpha's parent company but has explicitly stated it will not use AI in its classrooms.
The finalization of a lease or purchase agreement between Alpha School and the owners of the Roycemore building is the next critical step. Without this, the zoning approval remains a preliminary administrative action rather than a confirmed expansion.
Local community reactions and potential advocacy efforts against the use of AI for primary instruction and the lack of certified teachers will be important to monitor. These responses could influence future zoning decisions or regulatory changes in Evanston and other cities.
The operational relationship between Alpha School and Guidepost Montessori will be a key indicator of how AI-centric schools interact with traditional educational providers. Guidepost's explicit rejection of AI in its classrooms contrasts with Alpha's model, highlighting the diversity of approaches in the private education sector.