Schools in Boston are embracing artificial intelligence, introducing new graduation requirements that include AI fluency courses. Students across the city will now need to demonstrate an understanding of AI tools if they want to earn their diplomas.
@NBCNews reported on the requirement that’s making its way into Boston schools in September 2026. According to them, Boston will “become the first major city in the country to ensure high school students graduate with AI proficiency.” Why? They believe that it will be a step toward preparing students for the reality that they’ll use AI in college classrooms and their future workplaces.
In an interview, a teen attending a Boston school shares her opinions on the matter. She says they aren’t using AI as a way to give them “answers” to their questions. Instead, she states that AI is a tool they use in school to “Think more about our specific work that we’re doing.” The interviewer then shows that these schools are using Chatbots to prepare for tests as early as sixth grade.
Many people are concerned about this shift, which still feels dystopian to some. Boston mayor Michelle Wu supports the matter of AI in the classroom, however. She said at a press conference, “This is about empowering our young people to have every bit of knowledge and understanding and fluency to make the most of the choices in front of them and the opportunities in front of them.”
Now, an AI course is being rolled out into Boston high schools for the students to use. But not only is it just another ‘helpful tool,’ it’s actually a requirement. These Boston middle schoolers will be expected to take the course if they want to graduate from high school. The curriculum will “continuously be adapted as the technology evolves,” according to NBC.
Most commenters were thrown off by this, completely astounded that a school would not just allow AI classes but require them. One commenter simply stated, “We’re so cooked.” Another commenter questioned, “A REQUIREMENT to graduate? Are you serious?” Others shared their concerns over more pressing issues in the school systems. As one commenter mentioned, “Anything but pay teachers more.”
Very few commenters had anything positive to say about these developments. Many opened up the discussion about considering the future impact it could have on children and our world. As one commenter stated, “I wouldn’t be doing this until some real research is done on the impact to cognitive ability. I think you could integrate it into a curriculum BUT when, where, and how much will likely be very impactful.”
This video continues to gain traction on social media, as it’s something vastly different than we’ve ever seen regarding AI. By inviting it into schools, it opens doors that were never presented previously and leaves more questions than answers. This is why commenters are unsure about how to feel at this point in time as AI continues to develop.
Only time will tell what lies ahead for AI. Will these classes keep pace with its rapid development, or are they destined to fall short from the start? Time will tell.
