Drew University to Launch AI-Driven K-8 School on Campus

The project represents a central component of President Hilary L. Link’s vision to transform higher education into a continuous, 60-year learning trajectory. By embedding a grade 1-8 school within a liberal arts university, the administration intends to foster an intergenerational community where younger learners gain access to faculty expertise and specialized facilities. The curriculum, powered by the AI-driven 2HR Learning platform, prioritizes student-led inquiry over standard classroom conformity.

Brian Holtz, the school’s leader and co-founder of the Alpha School network, noted that the program is intended for students who often struggle with the rigid nature of traditional schooling. The academic model rests on three pillars: personalized pacing via adaptive technology, the development of practical life skills such as AI fluency and financial literacy, and the completion of real-world impact projects. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are currently open for families seeking an alternative to conventional pedagogical systems.