ALPHA SCHOOLS STRATEGIC POLICY BRIEFING

FOR: SAMUEL ARMES DATE: MAY 18, 2025 RE: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION MEETING - ALPHA AS NATIONAL EDUCATION MODEL

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This briefing prepares you for your upcoming high-level meeting with the Trump administration regarding positioning Alpha Schools as a default education model for America, with specific emphasis on the administration's forthcoming executive order on AI in education.

We recently conducted reconnaissance through Ben Gordon-Sniffen (Lead Guide, Alpha NY) that provides critical operational intelligence about Alpha's real-world implementation. This ground-level perspective will be essential for addressing practical questions about nationwide scaling that administration officials will inevitably ask. The intelligence also reveals important organizational dynamics you should be aware of when representing Alpha to external stakeholders.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: We have added detailed statistics and citations from credible sources that demonstrate Alpha's exceptional outcomes and direct alignment with the Trump administration's education priorities. These data points and policy connections will be crucial in positioning Alpha as the ideal implementation vehicle for the administration's vision.

I. STRATEGIC FRAMING FOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS

A. Positioning Alpha as America's Education Model

1. America-First Education Innovation

   • Homegrown American solution to education challenges, not imported from foreign models
   • Combines traditional academic excellence with entrepreneurial mindset
   • Leverages American technological leadership in AI
   • Creates educational sovereignty and independence from foreign educational approaches
   • Directly responds to the White House Task Force on AI Education and federal AI initiatives¹²³

2. Economic Competitiveness Imperative

   • Directly addresses America's declining educational rankings
   • Prepares students for high-growth sectors of the economy
   • Reduces wasteful spending in education while improving outcomes
   • Incorporates real-world financial literacy from an early age
   • Demonstrated success: Alpha students achieve 2.4-2.6x greater academic growth than traditional schools⁴⁵⁶

3. Traditional Values with Modern Tools

   • Maintains focus on foundational skills (writing, language learning, mathematics)
   • Emphasizes character development and being "well-adjusted"
   • Uses AI as a tool to enhance human potential, not replace it
   • Allows more time for deeper engagement with American culture and values
   • Proven results: All Alpha classes reach the top 1-2% in the country by the end of first grade⁷⁶

4. Liberty and Choice Framework

   • Perfect implementation vehicle for school choice initiatives
   • Empowers parents to direct their children's education
   • Creates educational marketplace that rewards excellence
   • Breaks dependency on teachers unions and bureaucratic control
   • Aligns with the administration's expanded charter school funding ($500 million in 2025)⁸⁹¹⁰

B. Implementation Pathway for National Adoption

Present the following phased approach to administration officials:

1. Phase 1: Demonstration Projects (Year 1)

   • White House Alpha Micro-School as flagship example
   • 10 regional models in diverse settings (urban, suburban, rural)
   • Policy framework development and regulatory waivers
   • Collection of comparative outcome data
   • Showcase success in underserved communities like Brownsville, Texas⁶

2. Phase 2: State-Level Implementation (Years 2-3)

   • Focus on states with strong school choice infrastructure (FL, TX initially)
   • Block grants for Alpha model implementation
   • Public-private partnerships for school conversions
   • Teacher training and certification pathways
   • Utilize the charter school expansion model already proven effective⁶

3. Phase 3: National Scaling (Years 4-8)

   • Federal incentive structure for Alpha adoption
   • National AI learning platform based on Alpha model
   • Full regulatory framework for Alpha-style schools
   • Teacher credential reciprocity across states
   • Alignment with White House directive for federal agencies to promote AI training¹²

II. ALPHA OPERATIONAL REALITIES - CRUCIAL CONTEXT

Our reconnaissance reveals important operational insights you should be prepared to address:

A. Current Implementation Status

• Total current Alpha Schools: Multiple locations (Austin, Miami, New York, Santa Barbara)
• Alpha NY Status: 4 enrolled families, 10 offers sent toward 25-student target
• Tuition ranges from ~$50K (Austin) to ~$65K (NY) based on market
• Ambitious internal growth target: "25 and 25" (25 schools with 25 students each)
• Leadership has discussed even more ambitious targets (Joe has mentioned "1000 schools in Texas within 12 months")
• Proven results: Alpha's first graduating class earned admission to top universities including Stanford, Babson, Vanderbilt, and SCAD⁴
• Statistical validation: Academic growth 2.4-2.6x greater than traditional schools on NWEA MAP assessments⁴⁵⁶

B. Organizational Structure (FOR YOUR AWARENESS ONLY)

Alpha operates with two parallel leadership structures:

1. "Trilogy Old Guard" (Budget Control)

   • Arthur Michel, Neeraj, Andy
   • Control budget allocation
   • Limited understanding of operational realities

2. "People of Agency" (Operational Leadership)

   • Dr. Tasha Arnold (Head of Schools)
   • Jeremy Williams (Expansion Team, COO-equivalent)
   • Ben Gordon-Sniffen (Alpha NY)
   • Alex Kaiser (Alpha Miami)
   • Stef (K-8 Operations)

Joe Liemandt sits above both structures and ultimately drives vision and decision-making.

C. Current Implementation Challenges (PREPARE RESPONSES)

Administration officials may probe operational challenges. Be prepared to address:

1. Scaling Velocity: Acknowledge current small scale while emphasizing that government partnership is precisely what's needed for rapid expansion. Point to successful expansion already underway into multiple states⁶.
2. Cost Structure: Current tuition ($50K-65K) requires government vouchers/tax credits to make widely accessible. Emphasize that Alpha has financial aid options for lower-income families⁶ and that scale will reduce costs.
3. Teacher Pipeline: Need for accelerated training programs for guides with traditional education backgrounds. Align with administration's directives to promote AI training for educators¹².
4. Real Estate: Strategy includes acquiring existing schools/facilities (e.g., Montessori schools) rather than new construction. Connects with administration's support for repurposing educational infrastructure.
5. Neurodiversity: Approximately 60% of current applicants are neurodivergent; model works for small groups but "can't provide one-on-one support". Emphasize personalized learning approaches that adapt to different learning styles.

III. CORE ALPHA MODEL COMPONENTS

Present these elements as the essential framework that makes Alpha uniquely positioned for national adoption:

A. Two-Hour Learning Model - The Innovation Engine

• AI-powered learning compresses 6 hours of traditional instruction into 2 hours⁴⁷⁶
• Personalized to individual learning styles and paces
• Results in higher retention and mastery than traditional methods
• Creates time for deeper project-based learning and real-world experience
• Government Role: Validate through outcomes-based assessment, not process regulation
• Proven Results: All Alpha classes reach top 1-2% nationally by end of first grade⁷⁶

B. Afternoon Workshops/Projects - Real-World Application

• Project-based learning occupies time after two-hour learning
• Examples include drone coding, robotics, self-driving cars, storytelling, financial literacy
• Students develop practical skills and entrepreneurial mindset
• Government Role: Recognize alternative credentialing and work experience
• Outcome Evidence: Alpha graduates report feeling as prepared or better prepared than peers from traditional schools for college and careers⁴

C. Guide Model - Redefined Educator Role

• "Guides" supervise learning rather than traditional teaching
• 5:1 ratio for kindergarten, higher for older students
• Focus on executive function, project guidance, and character development
• Traditional educational backgrounds still valuable (Ben notes: "the best teachers are women with traditional educational backgrounds")
• Government Role: Create alternative certification pathways
• Alignment: Responds directly to administration's focus on workforce preparation and apprenticeship models¹²

D. Scaling Strategy - National Implementation

• Current "25 and 25" target can be accelerated with federal support
• Long-term expansion via micro-schools integrated with traditional infrastructure
• Acquisition of existing schools and integration of Alpha model
• "Shopify for Teachers" platform for turnkey school management
• Specialized tracks (sports, GT, homeschool) under common framework
• Government Role: Create regulatory sandboxes and reduce barriers to entry
• Existing Expansion: Already proven effective in diverse, often under-resourced communities like Brownsville, Texas⁶

IV. EXECUTIVE ORDER ON AI IN EDUCATION - SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Strategic Provisions to Advocate

1. Regulatory Sandboxes: Create "Alpha Zones" exempt from traditional regulations to demonstrate efficacy
2. Outcomes-Based Accreditation: Focus on student achievement, not process compliance
3. Federal Data Access: Allow Alpha AI systems to access appropriate federal data to enhance learning
4. Teacher Certification Alternative: Create expedited pathways for Alpha guides
5. Tax Credits for AI Learning: Incentivize private investment in AI education platforms
6. Federal Facilities Utilization: Allow underutilized federal buildings to host Alpha micro-schools
7. Rural Broadband Priority: Ensure connectivity for rural Alpha implementation
8. Research Support: Allocate funding to further study Alpha's 2.4-2.6x academic growth results⁴⁵

B. Alpha as Designated National Model

Advocate for language specifically identifying Alpha's approach as a preferred national model due to:

1. Proven Results: Emphasize existing data showing superior outcomes (2.4-2.6x growth)⁴⁵⁶
2. American Innovation: Homegrown solution not dependent on foreign educational philosophies
3. Efficiency: Dramatically lower cost-per-outcome than traditional education (2 hours vs. 6+ hours)⁴⁷⁶
4. Workforce Alignment: Directly prepares students for 21st century jobs
5. Traditional Values: Maintains focus on fundamental skills and character development
6. Administration Alignment: Directly implements Trump administration education priorities¹⁸²⁹

C. Funding Mechanisms to Include

1. Direct Appropriation: Pilot funding for White House Alpha School and regional demonstrations
2. Block Grants: To states implementing Alpha model
3. Tax Incentives: For private development of Alpha schools
4. Educational Savings Accounts: Federal matching for state ESA programs supporting Alpha enrollment
5. Infrastructure Allocations: For technology and facilities supporting Alpha implementation
6. Charter School Expansion: Leverage the administration's increased $500 million charter school funding⁸⁹¹⁰

V. ADDRESSING POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS

Be prepared to address these likely questions/concerns:

A. Teachers Unions Opposition

• Emphasize new jobs created for guides and experiential educators
• Note that traditional teachers can easily transition to higher-paid guide roles
• Highlight autonomy and reduced administrative burden for educators
• Position as upgrading the teaching profession, not eliminating it
• Share statistical evidence: Alpha guide model produces superior results (top 1-2% nationally)⁷⁶

B. Cost Concerns

• Initial private tuition ($50K-65K) reflects development costs and absence of scale
• Public implementation would dramatically reduce per-student costs
• Two-hour learning model inherently more efficient with resources⁴⁷⁶
• Repurposing existing educational infrastructure reduces capital requirements
• Long-term savings on remedial education and workforce training
• Financial aid options already in place for lower-income families⁶

C. Equity and Access

• AI model can work across socioeconomic backgrounds when properly supported
• Rural implementation brings top-tier education to underserved communities
• Achievement gap can be addressed more effectively through personalized learning
• Neurodivergent students often thrive in the flexible environment
• Demonstrated effectiveness in diverse, often under-resourced communities like Brownsville, Texas⁶

D. Evidence Base

• Point to existing Alpha outcomes data (2.4-2.6x greater academic growth)⁴⁵⁶
• Reference college admissions to top universities (Stanford, Babson, Vanderbilt, SCAD)⁴
• Highlight all Alpha classes reaching top 1-2% nationally by end of first grade⁷⁶
• Share the Alpha Schools Showcase featuring real-world case studies of student projects and achievements¹¹
• Propose incremental implementation with rigorous assessment
• Regional demonstration projects to validate at scale
• Compare to persistent failure of traditional models despite massive investment

VI. KEY ALPHA PERSONNEL TO REFERENCE

A. Public-Facing Leadership

1. Joe Liemandt

   • Founder and visionary
   • Former tech entrepreneur (Trilogy Software)
   • Education reform leader

2. Mackenzie Price

   • School founder and educational leader
   • Positioned as "the Oprah of education" with "the halo effect for the organization"
   • Drives parent engagement and community building

B. Operational Experts (If Technical Questions Arise)

1. Dr. Tasha Arnold (Head of Schools)

   • Former international educator
   • Oversees educational standards across Alpha schools
   • Expert in pedagogical implementation

2. Ben Gordon-Sniffen (New York)

   • Implementing Alpha in the most challenging educational market (NYC)
   • Experience in software development and executive function coaching
   • Practical knowledge of regulatory navigation

3. Alex Kaiser (Miami)

   • Successfully operating in Florida for a full year
   • Experience with state-level policy in school choice leader state

4. Dr. Lael Alexander (Technical Innovation)

   • Potential technical advisor for Alpha's technology infrastructure
   • Expertise in creating advanced technical education programs ("MIT for middle school")
   • Experience designing educational systems globally
   • Background in foundational science and cross-disciplinary integration
   • Capable of developing custom technology solutions for rapid school deployment

VII. STRATEGIC MESSAGING - KEY QUOTES AND SOUNDBITES

A. From Joe Liemandt (Vision)

• "If the student isn't learning, then it is the system's fault, not the student's."
• "Ideas don't matter... what matters is all the execution."
• "Education is about unlocking human potential rather than transferring information."
• "Human potential is the most untapped resource on planet Earth."
• "In five years, everyone on the planet will have a tablet where they learn in two hours a day."

B. From Ben Gordon-Sniffen (Implementation)

• "Pick the winners... pick ones that already have resources. Drive to completion. Build goodwill."
• "Get two celebrity parents to enroll their kids and get a wait list of a hundred influential people."
• "The best teachers are ones who are women, and two, who have a traditional educational background."

C. Your Core Message Track

1. "Alpha Schools represents exactly the kind of American innovation in education that this administration champions - combining traditional academic excellence with next-generation technology."

2. "The two-hour learning model does what American innovation has always done best - creates dramatic efficiency while improving quality. Alpha students achieve 2.4-2.6x greater academic growth than traditional schools."⁴⁵⁶

3. "We're not replacing teachers - we're upgrading the teaching profession to focus on what humans do best, while letting AI handle the repetitive knowledge transfer."

4. "This is the educational equivalent of America's energy independence - we can achieve educational sovereignty and stop importing failed foreign models."

5. "The Alpha model is the perfect implementation vehicle for this administration's school choice vision - it creates options for families while maintaining rigorous standards."

6. "Alpha directly implements the administration's AI in education priorities while delivering proven, measurable results - all Alpha classes reach the top 1-2% nationally by the end of first grade."⁷⁶¹²

VIII. NEXT STEPS AFTER ADMINISTRATION MEETING

1. EO Input: Provide specific language for executive order based on meeting feedback
2. White House Demo: Develop concrete proposal for White House Alpha School
3. State Coordination: Connect with Florida and Texas leadership for early implementation
4. Implementation Roadmap: Create detailed 100-day plan following EO signing
5. Policy Framework: Comprehensive policy framework for nationwide implementation
6. Data Collection: Establish centralized mechanism to track and report Alpha's superior outcomes to support further expansion

Please advise if you need additional briefing materials before your administration meeting. I'm available for pre-meeting preparation as needed.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Sheng Strategic Advisor Alpha Scale

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REFERENCES

Footnotes

1. White House. "Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Advances AI Education for American Youth." April 2025. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶

2. U.S. Department of Education. "Secretary of Education Statements on President Trump's Education Executive Orders." 2025. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶

3. NextGov. "Trump Unveils Sweeping Order to Bring AI to US Education." April 2025. ↩

4. Forbes. "Alpha School: Using AI to Unleash Students and Transform Teaching." February 10, 2025. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹²

5. Austin Scholar. "How Alpha Students Achieve 2.6x Greater Academic Growth." 2025. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶

6. Newsweek. "Alpha School Brownsville: AI Expanding." 2025. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴ ↩¹⁵ ↩¹⁶ ↩¹⁷ ↩¹⁸ ↩¹⁹ ↩²⁰

7. Alpha School Blog. "Fostering a Love for Learning: Inside the Alpha School Experience." 2025. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸

8. Prescott E-News. "Trump Administration Raises Charter School Funding to $500 Million." May 18, 2025. ↩ ↩² ↩³

9. White House. "Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Expands Educational Opportunities for American Families." January 2025. ↩ ↩² ↩³

10. U.S. Department of Education. "Secretary McMahon Announces Immediate Increased Funding, New Grant Program for Charter Schools." 2025. ↩ ↩²

11. Alpha Schools. "AlphaX Showcase: Student Masterpieces." 2025. https://showcase.alphahigh.school/ ↩