Geoffrey Hinton, the pioneering computer scientist often called the "Godfather of AI," has expressed cautious optimism about one specific application of artificial intelligence—its use in education—despite his growing concerns about the broader implications of the technology he helped create. During an interview with BBC Newsnight, released last week, Hinton was asked to name a positive example of AI that makes him proud. He pointed to the Alpha School, a network of private schools in the United States that integrate AI into their core curriculum for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The model centers on a two-hour daily learning framework, during which AI tutors guide students through foundational subjects. This allows the rest of the school day to be dedicated to teacher-led activities focused on life skills, hands-on projects, and social development. Hinton praised the approach, saying it transforms the role of teachers from lecturers delivering one-size-fits-all instruction to mentors engaging in meaningful, personalized interactions. "A normal teacher is in broadcast mode in a classroom, where they're telling the children the answers to questions the children didn't just wonder about," he said. "Whereas with an AI tutor, the AI tutor can always be telling you the answers to questions you did just wonder about, and you learn much faster that way." He emphasized that this model makes far better use of a teacher’s time, enabling them to focus on deeper learning, emotional development, and real-world problem solving. While acknowledging that the Alpha School model is currently expensive—tuition ranges from $10,000 to $75,000 per year depending on location—Hinton believes costs will come down as AI technology becomes more accessible and efficient. The network operates in states including California, Florida, and Texas, with some campuses offering lower-cost options. Joe Liemandt, the school’s principal, has stated that teachers earn a minimum of $100,000 annually to attract high-caliber educators, reflecting the school’s investment in human capital. Despite his enthusiasm for this educational application, Hinton remained deeply concerned about AI’s wider impact. He told BBC Newsnight that he feels "very sad" about the consequences of his life’s work, calling the current state of AI "extremely dangerous" and criticizing the lack of serious attention being paid to its risks. Still, he sees the Alpha School as a rare example of AI being used in a way that enhances human potential rather than undermining it.