Alpha School's GT Students Earn Top Honors in Global AI Debates Competition

Texas-based students place 2nd in the world and 1st in the U.S., showcasing the power of real-world learning and AI fluency at Alpha School

AUSTIN, Texas, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Two students from GT School, Krish Bhakta and Jaiden Bhakta, have achieved an extraordinary global milestone, placing 2nd in the world and 1st in the U.S. in the prestigious Global AI Debates, a worldwide competition that drew over 1,000 entries and 10,000 student participants. GT School is a private, K-8 institution for gifted and talented learners and serves as a sister school to Alpha School.

Among the standout performers were 10-year-old Everest Nevraumont, and 12-year-old Lucas Sanner, who both placed 5th in the world, competing against peers from around the globe in a tournament designed to test AI fluency, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.

The Global AI Debates challenge students to grapple with some of the most complex ethical and societal questions surrounding artificial intelligence. Participants must not only demonstrate deep knowledge of emerging technologies, but also exhibit real-time reasoning, persuasive communication, and collaborative problem-solving-skills at the heart of Alpha's innovative approach to education.

"This achievement reflects everything we believe in at GT & Alpha Schools-that when students are empowered with real-world tools, rigorous challenge, and meaningful purpose, there's no limit to what they can accomplish," said MacKenzie Price, founder of Alpha School.

Founded by MacKenzie Price, Alpha School has garnered national attention for its groundbreaking model that enables students to master core subjects-reading, math, social studies, and English-in just two hours each morning. Afternoons are dedicated to project-based workshops in topics like financial literacy, teamwork, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and leadership, allowing students to explore their interests while building essential life skills.

Alpha's accelerated learning model helps students advance 2 to 4 times faster than traditional methods, while also guiding them to align their passions with meaningful, purpose-driven pursuits.

With campuses across Texas, Alpha School has recently confirmed new locations in New York and Tampa, and is actively exploring expansion in Aspen, Houston, Ft. Worth, Orlando, Phoenix, Santa Barbara, and West Palm Beach.

At GT & Alpha Schools, students learn at their own pace using adaptive software in core subjects, then apply those skills in real-world simulations-launching businesses such as an Airbnb and food truck, debating ethical dilemmas such as best uses for AI globally, leading team projects, and even using AI as a creative collaborator. Alpha's approach is deeply student-centered, designed to nurture lifelong learners who lead with purpose.

"Krish, Jaiden, Everest and other finalists aren't just learning about AI-they're learning with it and using that knowledge to lead conversations that will shape their generation," added Price.

With these wins, Alpha School continues to prove what's possible when education breaks the mold-and students take the lead.

Learn more at https://alpha.school or follow @AlphaSchools on social media.

SOURCE Alpha School