Artificial intelligence is transforming education—but at Nysmith, it’s not something to fear. In this post, we explore how Nysmith prepares students to thrive in the age of AI by focusing on what technology can’t replace: real-world skills, critical thinking, creativity, and human connection.

Teaching In The Age Of AI

AI is big news and for good reason. Its capabilities are truly breathtaking. Ten years ago, few would have believed that a first grader could produce what looks like a high-school-level research paper in minutes. Yet here we are. Artificial intelligence is here to stay. The question for schools isn’t whether to allow it, but how to adapt and, most importantly, how to help children adapt to this rapid change.

AI in education is both a challenge and an opportunity. Like virtually every technology, it can be used for good or for harm. The key is how we prepare children to thrive in a world where answers, and even full reports, can be produced with a few keystrokes.

The Science Behind Autonomy: Why Choice Matters

The classroom’s role has never been more important. When information is instant, the true skill is learning how to think, not just how to find an answer. That’s why at Nysmith, we emphasize in-class learning experiences over take-home assignments. The days of sending students home to compile lengthy research projects are largely behind us. Instead, we focus on building the foundational skills — critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving — that allow students to evaluate, verify, and improve upon what AI produces.

Many parents share the same concern: How can we be sure children are actually learning the material and not just relying on shortcuts? The trust is, shortcuts have always existed. AI is simply the newest one. But with two teachers in every classroom, our student receive hands-on guidance that ensures the learning process happens authentically. If we're teaching research, we supervise the research. If we're teaching writing, we watch the ideas unfold, sentence by sentence. Students gain the skills and confidence that come only from doing the work themselves. 

Cultivating Independent Thinkers

But mastering skills is only part of the equation. AI can answer questions, but it cannot ask them. The future belongs to those who can analyze, question, and imagine new possibilities. That’s why nurturing intellectual curiosity, creativity, and resilience is so essential. By instilling digital literacy at a young age, students learn to engage with AI as a tool for innovation. 

The pace of change is accelerating. Children who approach the future with optimism flexibility will be the ones who lead it. At Nysmith, we help students embrace that mindset, not with the fear of technology, but with excitement for what they can create with it.

The Human Element

Finally, there’s the human side of learning. Collaboration, communication, leadership, these are the skills that no algorithm can replicate. A brilliant idea or perfectly written report has limited value if it can’t be shared, explained, or brought to life through teamwork.

That's why we devote time every week to our Character Education and Communication classes. These sessions help students develop empathy, confidence, and executive function skills; traits that not only support academic success but also define who our students become as people. When families ask why we invest so much time in these lessons, the answer is simple: they're essential. These are the skills that set our students apart, the ones that prepare them for a world where human connection and creativity matter more than ever.

That's why we devote time every week to our Character Education and Communication classes. These sessions help students develop empathy, confidence, and executive function skills; traits that not only support academic success but also define who our students become as people. When families ask why we invest so much time int these lessons, the answer is simple: They're essential. These are the skills that set our students apart, the ones that prepare them for the world where human connection and creativity matter more than ever. 

Looking Ahead

AI will continue to evolve, and so will we. As educators and parents, our task is not to shield children from innovation , but to teach them to use it wisely. With a strong foundation of knowledge, confidence, and compassion, our students won't just keep up with change; they'll help lead it. Learn more about our innovative curriculum and how we are preparing student to thrive in the world of AI.