As Arizona families continue exploring alternatives to traditional classrooms, two virtual schools are building their entire school day around AI-supported academics and hands-on projects.
Novatio, a private virtual school that is tuition free through Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program, and Unbound Academy, a tuition-free virtual public charter school serving K–8 students statewide, use AI tools to support academic work while incorporating teacher-guided projects, clubs, and challenges.
The schools are part of a broader shift in education toward more flexible models that allow students to move through academic material at a personalized pace. In both programs, students complete focused academic work before transitioning into projects meant to connect classroom concepts with real-world skills.
At Novatio, students can take part in experiences such as The Artist Project, where they study an artist and create original work; Level Up, a 30-day habit and well-being challenge based on Yale’s Science of Well-Being; Game On, where students design video games using Scratch; and Wealth Builders, a financial literacy simulation focused on earning, saving, investing, and spending.
“Students learn best when they’re actively building something, not just absorbing information,” says Karissa Ham, Head of School at Novatio. “Our teachers play a critical role in guiding that process, helping students think deeper, stay accountable, and turn their ideas into something real.”
Unbound Academy uses a similar structure, combining AI-personalized academics with live teacher instruction and enrichment activities. Its programs include Page Turners, a reading and discussion experience; The Summit, a Model UN-inspired challenge focused on global issues and structured argument; The Studio, where students work on independent passion projects; Game On, where students create video games; and Grand Masters, a chess-based program focused on strategy and perseverance.
Michael Goto, Head of School at Unbound Academy, says the school tracks both student relationships and academic performance.
“Our teachers’ success is not only measured by the positive relationships built with our students each day, but academically where over half of Unbound students are outperforming their peers nationwide, according to our last benchmark,” Goto says.
School leaders say the model is intended to use technology for routine academic support while leaving educators more time to work directly with students. At both schools, projects are built into the regular schedule rather than offered only as occasional enrichment.
“Technology should give teachers more time to connect, not less,” Ham says. “When you remove repetitive tasks and let AI handle the mechanics, teachers can focus on what matters most, supporting students as they build confidence, skills, and independence.”
The approach reflects ongoing interest in virtual and hybrid school models, particularly among families looking for flexible schedules, individualized pacing, and more opportunities for students to apply what they are learning. The schools describe their project-based work as a way to build skills such as communication, problem-solving, financial literacy, creativity, and resilience alongside traditional academics.
More information is available at novatio.school and unbound.school.
