Houston ISD has designated seven additional elementary and middle schools for its “Future 2” pilot program, in which the curriculum will focus on developing skills related to artificial intelligence, the district announced.
Future 2 is a new initiative led by state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles that was initially planned for two campuses but has now expanded to nine schools.
“Future 2 expands the focus to include critical thinking, problem-solving, real-world experiences, and the ability to navigate an increasingly complex, technology-driven world,” the district said in a statement.
A draft of the proposed 2026–2027 budget shows the district plans to spend $4.5 million to implement the program. A spokesperson for Houston ISD (HISD) confirmed that the proposed budget line accounts for all nine campuses, which could mean roughly $500,000 allocated to each school. The additional Future 2 schools will also receive extra funding and higher teacher salaries, similar to schools in the district’s “New Education System” (NES).
The changes are scheduled to take effect in the upcoming school year. Morning classes at Future 2 campuses will focus on traditional core subjects using the controversial NES instructional model, while afternoons will transition to AI-focused learning experiences. According to the HISD press office, pre-kindergarten through second-grade students will continue using the NES model, while students in third through eighth grade will follow the Future 2 model.
The district emphasized that the program is not intended to replace teachers with artificial intelligence.
HISD officials said the goal of Future 2 is to ensure students gain experiences and participate in activities that help develop “2030 skills,” including decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
All schools selected for the Future 2 program serve student populations that are predominantly low-income and primarily Latino or Black.
Here is the full list of Future 2 schools, along with their latest academic ratings from the Texas Education Agency:
- Bonham Elementary (C)
- Clemente Martinez Elementary (D)
- Gregg Elementary (A)
- Shadydale Elementary (B)
- Southmayd Elementary (A)
- Deady Middle School (B)
- Forest Brook Middle School (C)
- Hartman Middle School (B)
- Sugar Grove Middle School (C)
The district has released limited details regarding day-to-day instruction at Future 2 campuses. In a news release, HISD said the schools would open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 6 p.m., two hours longer than the traditional school day. After-school programs will include “Action Labs,” athletics, and music at no additional cost to families. The schools will also provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner for students.
