AI at SSSAS

At SSSAS, our mission calls us to prepare young people to thrive in a complex and changing world. That commitment has guided us for decades through moments of rapid change, through uncertainty, and through opportunities we could not have predicted. Today, artificial intelligence is one of those defining shifts. Whether our students become engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, or public servants, they will live and lead in a world shaped by AI. Because of that, we have a responsibility to ensure our students know how to use AI thoughtfully and intentionally."Kirsten P. Adams, Head of School

Our approach to Artificial Intelligence is grounded in our Mission

We have a clear mission and a shared set of values. We believe every child is known and valued. We believe excellence must be rooted in goodness. And we believe our responsibility is to help students become ethical leaders who contribute positively to the world around them.

While the opportunities for learning are significant, our goal is not simply to teach students how to use new tools. Our goal is to form young people who can lead wisely in a world where technology is powerful, fast-moving, and not always neutral. That is why our approach begins with principles before platforms.

We want students asking:
Should we use this? How might this impact my learning? How does it impact others? What is fair? What is true?
These are not technology questions first; they are character questions.

Bringing AI into our classrooms does not mean we are lowering expectations for foundational skills. In fact, it means just the opposite. Our students must continue to build strong habits of critical thinking, clear writing, problem solving, and deep reading. AI should not replace the intellectual muscles students need to develop for themselves. Part of great learning is productive struggle which includes the process of wrestling with an idea, revising your thinking, and discovering that you can do hard things. We are committed to protecting that experience. There will be times when AI is appropriate to support learning, and there will be times when it is intentionally set aside so students practice thinking, writing, and creating on their own. Our responsibility is to help students know the difference and to develop the discipline and integrity to use these tools well.

As we explore AI, one thing will not change in our school: the relationship between our teachers and students remains at the center of learning. Technology can support great teaching, but it cannot replace the wisdom, mentorship, and human connection that define this community. Our students learn best when they are challenged by adults who know them, care about them, and model integrity. AI will never substitute for that.

AI Resources for Parents

Divider LogoOU

GenAI Learning Principles

This is not an exhaustive list of how AI can or cannot or should or should not be used, but we hope that it gives you a window into how we are thinking about AI at SSSAS.

AI Use Should Be...

Human Centered

Focus on people, their needs and wellbeing.

Students across all divisions, all grades, know and tell us in so many ways, “my teachers know, and support and care about me.” Teaching and learning must remain grounded in these caring relationships that define our community. AI, and technology use more broadly, should play a supporting role as students collaborate, create, and explore under the guidance of caring and engaged adults.

Purposeful and Pedagogically Grounded

Aligned with learning goals and effective teaching methods.

Just like other technological tools, its use must be guided by clear learning objectives and thoughtfully integrated into lessons. It should not be used for the sake of using it. It can support and facilitate and enhance learning and understanding, but it should not be used simply to make learning faster and easier- it must not replace the cognitive work and productive struggle essential to learning.

Ethical and Transparent

Fair, unbaised and open about AI role, usage and data.

Student use of AI should reflect our values of honesty, integrity, and academic responsibility, reinforcing our mission to develop independent thinkers grounded in strong values. Students need to share when and how they used AI for assignments, and they should always question AI outputs and verify them for bias, inaccuracy, and flawed reasoning.

Developmentally Appropriate

Safe and Responsible

AI MS student and teacher with computer

MS student and teacher seeing each other

Divider LogoOU

Age Appropriate AI Integration

Our goal is to develop responsible, ethical learners who can navigate the evolving technological landscape with integrity.

Student work must reflect their own thinking, understanding, and voice.
AI is a tool for learning support, not a replacement for individual effort or understanding.
Transparency in AI use is essential for maintaining trust.

Lower School - Building AI Literacy

Middle School - Building skills for Ethical and Responsible Use

Upper School - Ethical and Transparent Use

Divider LogoOU

AI Implementation Timeline

Dec '22

Consideration

Administrators and a small group began considering the implications and engaged in AI explorations.

Just a few months after ChatGPT was made available to the public.

Feb '23

Explore

A full Faculty Professional Development Day to begin exploring and understanding AI.

Aug '23

Principles Defined

An AI Principles working document was drafted and shared with faculty.

These principles focus on teaching and learning, use of AI with students, as well as the ethical and equity issues. These principles still resonate today.

Nov '23

Framework

Established an ethical and practical framework for AI use in the school.

Launched a FlintK12 pilot with the MERIT Team, AI committee and early adopters to develop AI use guidelines.

Jan '25

Thought Lab

Offered a Professional Thought Lab event for the Saints community on the Promise and Perils of AI

A panel comprised of AI experts from the greater SSSAS community engaged participants in a deep dive into AI's potential and risks.

Feb '25

Training

Held an all-school Professional Development Day of AI workshops. Teachers and advanced users (including students) leading a day of training for all staff.

Apr '25

Lunch & Learn

Upper School student lunch and learn session with direct student engagement on AI topics.

Dec '25

Education Focus

Another dedicated Professional Day for faculty and staff to focus on AI's role in education.

Feb '26

Parent Involvement

Involving and informing Saints parents in the school's AI journey.

Divider LogoOU

Professional Day: Artificial Intelligence Video

SSSAS held a Professional Day that focused on how AI is showing up in our lives, classrooms, and offices. The school explored the real possibilities, practical applications, and responsible considerations that come with integrating AI into their work with students and one another. The day was designed to spark new ideas, build confidence, and open up meaningful possibilities.

Divider LogoOU

Digital Life at SSSAS

Digital Citizenship Program

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Leadership in the Field