Cold Spring School Integrates AI with Hands-On Learning

MONTECITO, Calif. — Cold Spring School in Montecito is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to enhance, not replace, traditional teaching methods. The school is focused on integrating AI to support instruction and deepen student thinking through project-based learning, although maintaining a focus on California academic standards.

AI as a Thought Partner

Educators at Cold Spring School are utilizing AI with clear guardrails, aiming to amplify the voices of both teachers and students. Principal Amy Alzina emphasizes that the goal is for AI to be a “thought partner,” not a replacement for educators. “Our goal is to utilize AI to amplify the voice of teachers and students. It’s not to replace them — it’s to be a thought partner,” Alzina stated.

Tools and Implementation

Teachers are leveraging secure tools like Khanmigo, through Khan Academy, to customize learning materials and guide student projects. This technology creates tailored prompts and structures to meet individual student needs, while ensuring students retain control over the final outcome. “It really helps teachers custom-make materials to meet students where they are,” teacher Ryan Francisco explained.

Project-Based Learning with AI Support

In practical application, students have used AI to assist in projects like building detailed California maps. While AI helped organize the framework for these assignments, all creative decisions remained with the students themselves. The integration extends to STEAM projects, incorporating math concepts like surface area and ratios, and providing personalized learning support.

Cold Spring School as an AI Education Hub

Cold Spring School has also taken a leadership role in AI education, hosting the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit in July 2025 and 2026. The ACSA AI Summit aims to shape a statewide vision for AI literacy, personalized learning, and educational equity. Superintendent Amy Alzina chairs the ACSA AI Task Force, committed to ensuring all California students have access to AI knowledge and opportunities. Speakers at the summit have included representatives from Khan Academy, and Cold Spring School teachers demonstrating tools like Khanmigo, Adobe Express, and Suno AI.

Preparing Students for an AI-Driven World

School leaders believe this approach prepares students for a future increasingly shaped by AI, without allowing technology to dictate their thinking. The focus remains on hands-on learning, with AI serving as a supportive tool to enhance the educational experience.