Human-Centered AI at Brimmer

From communication methods to how work is done, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already transforming the world that our students will encounter after graduation. Across schools nationwide, this change has sparked important questions. Should AI be restricted? Should it be avoided entirely? Or should schools guide students in learning to use it responsibly?

At Brimmer, we believe our independence lets us think carefully about these questions. One benefit of being an independent school is the ability to innovate intentionally. When the world changes, we don't have to wait for a school system-wide policy or directive to guide us. Instead, we can act intentionally, guided by our mission and what we know about how students learn best. This was clear in how we responded to the learning challenges during the pandemic. We responded quickly and innovatively to support students through this difficult time. The rise of AI poses another challenge for us to determine how best to support and educate our students.

Our goal is not to pursue the newest technology just for its own sake. Instead, it is to ensure that our students graduate ready for the world they will encounter. That world will include AI in nearly every sector. Preparing students for that reality involves helping them understand not only how AI works, but also how to use it responsibly, ethically, and effectively.

At the center of this work is the belief that technology should enhance, not replace, the human relationships that define effective teaching and learning. Brimmer has always been a school built on strong connections between faculty and students. These relationships foster a safe environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and exploring new ideas. Our approach to AI builds on that tradition.

When we talk about human-centered AI at Brimmer, we mean using technology to enhance the work teachers and students already do together. AI is not replacing teachers in our classrooms. Instead, it acts as a partner that helps expand the reach of great teaching. Over the past two years, we have taken a thoughtful approach to introducing these tools. Last year, we launched a pilot program in Grade 6 to explore student-centered AI tools. This year, we expanded that program by implementing the Flint AI platform for students in Grades 6 through 12 and the Magic School AI platform for faculty in the Lower School. Throughout this process, our Head of School, Judy Guild, has been a strong advocate for implementing AI thoughtfully and responsibly, making sure that student safety and enrichment remain at the center of our work.

In our Middle and Upper Schools, Flint AI provides a secure platform where teachers and students can explore AI tools within clear guardrails that protect student data and ensure responsible use. Within this environment, students can engage with AI in ways that directly support their learning. For example, Grade 6 students used Flint AI this past year to revise their science lab reports. Rather than simply correcting their work, the AI prompted them with questions and suggestions that strengthened their scientific writing. In Grade 8 physics, students used AI as a practice partner when working through challenging problems, receiving step-by-step guidance that reinforced the concepts their teachers introduced in class. In Grade 7 French, AI tools enabled students to practice dictation and pronunciation, providing immediate feedback and building confidence in the language.

While these student-facing tools are powerful, AI is also transforming how teachers plan and support learning. AI can help teachers develop rubrics, generate practice questions, and level reading passages to meet the needs of different learners. More importantly, it can provide analytics that help teachers better understand students' progress. These insights enable teachers to recognize patterns across the entire class and identify individual students' needs. A teacher might notice that several students are struggling with the same concept and adjust instruction accordingly. At the same time, they can offer targeted support to a student who needs extra help. In this way, AI serves as a powerful assistant, helping teachers focus their time and attention where it is most needed.

AI also has the potential to increase equity in meaningful ways. Not every student has equal access to academic support outside of school. Some students have tutors or parents who can help with homework, while others do not. Some students are still developing their English skills or may have learning differences that make certain assignments more difficult. The AI tools we are using can help close some of those gaps. When a student encounters a difficult math problem at home, Flint AI can guide them through the steps rather than just provide the answer. If they want feedback on improving a rough draft of a history paper, they can ask Flint to check their draft against the assignment rubric and point out areas for improvement, without the AI simply rewriting the paper for them. In many ways, it can act like a coach or tutor that is available whenever a student needs support.

Teachers will always remain at the center of the educational experience at Brimmer. Our teachers spark curiosity, challenge students to think deeply, and guide young people as they grow as members of a community. Artificial intelligence may be transforming education, but it cannot replace the human connections between teachers and students. Our independence allows us to thoughtfully engage with new technologies, creating systems with strong guardrails that enhance teaching and deepen interactions between teachers and students. By approaching AI in a human-centered way, Brimmer will remain a place where innovation enhances human relationships rather than replaces them.