Eastern High School will implement the new education model at the start of the 2026-27 school year. The school already offers its 106 students a mixture of virtual and on-site learning.
Superintendent Grant Hegenauer said the most significant change to the education model will be the introduction of AI technology.
“We are putting a great deal of care and energy into this new chapter for Eastern High School, and we look forward to our students experiencing it firsthand,” Hegenauer told MLive in a statement.
The redesigned education model is being introduced to provide students with the opportunity to learn in a “cutting-edge, nontraditional setting” that supports the progress of individualized and alternative education pathways. Students will use AI technology from the Subject AI learning platform to customize their educational path and pace.
“Day to day, our students are moving into a much more dynamic, personalized, and engaging learning environment where their daily routine is tailored entirely to their unique pace, strengths, and interests,” Hegenauer said. “This model is intentionally designed to ignite curiosity, maximize daily engagement, and ensure no student is left behind or held back from reaching their full potential.”
The introduction of the subject-specific AI platform also marks the school’s shift away from using the Edgenuity learning platform.
“While technology has always been present in our classrooms, this new platform represents a massive leap forward, allowing us to customize the educational experience for every student in real time,” Hegenauer said.
The new model also offers expanded career training and face-to-face specialized courses through a collaboration with the Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District. In addition to opportunities for face-to-face education, students will have the chance to take part in community service projects.
Educators will be available for on-site, in-person tutoring, small-group lessons, hands-on projects and emotional and academic support, Hegenauer said.
“Our human teachers are, and always will be, the heart and soul of Eastern High School,” Hegenauer said.
Rather than replace educators, Hegenauer said the AI platform will provide educators with more time to focus on teaching and mentoring students.
“The new Subject AI platform will serve as a powerful instructional co-pilot to enhance the learning experience, not dictate it,” Hegenauer said. “By stepping away from the static model of Edgenuity, this intuitive AI acts as a 24/7 personal tutor for every single student, adapting reading levels, offering instant feedback, and targeting specific skill-building needs.”
Located at 601 Blend St., Eastern High School’s campus will remain open during regular school hours Monday through Friday, and the school will provide students with consistent access to face-to-face educational opportunities. Previously, the school did not offer students in-person opportunities on Fridays.
The district will continue to offer students free lunch and breakfast at the high school as well as free daily bus rides to and from the school.
“We want every parent to have total peace of mind knowing that their children will always have a safe ride to school, a safe learning environment and healthy meals ready for them, ensuring they are fully fueled and ready to succeed every single day,” Hegenauer said.
Students will also have access to the school’s academic success center, enrichment hubs, a coffee and connection lounge and a regulation room, which is intended for mental health check-ins and social-emotional learning lessons.
Additionally, students will have full-time access to a counselor and multi-tiered system of support personnel.
“Our goal is to create an environment for learning that is unique for each individual student,” Hegenauer said. “By pairing flexible online platforms with hands-on career hubs, community partnerships, and dedicated face-to-face support, we are ensuring every student has the tools they need to succeed on their own terms.”
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