Evolve our curriculum to integrate emerging technologies and opportunities

At Breck, we're committed to evolving our curriculum to meaningfully integrate emerging technologies. This means providing pathways for students to reach the highest levels of computer science while also expanding access and opportunity for all students. We define "emerging technologies" broadly, encompassing machine learning, artificial intelligence, generative AI, and the foundations of coding and computer science. Whether students are designing robots in our extracurricular programs, exploring the societal impact of AI in middle school electives, or advancing to AP computer science in the upper school, our goal is to equip them with the skills and knowledge to navigate a world increasingly shaped by technology. This approach fosters critical thinking and problem-solving in the digital realm and teaches essential skills in project management, collaboration, and communication that are vital for success in any field.

Breck has a long-standing commitment to intellectual curiosity and preparing students for the world ahead. Our graduates who have pursued computer science have made significant contributions in various fields, and, building on this legacy, we are expanding the breadth and depth of what Breck students have access to. This includes strengthening our core curriculum and introducing students to cutting-edge topics like custom large language models and machine learning. “AI is a significant part of everyone's future, and it's developing at an alarming rate,” says Breck student Lily Yu ‘32. “Self-driving cars, stores with no workers, chatbots, and more. By the time we’re getting our jobs, AI may as well take over most of them. This makes it very important to learn about it now, so we can adapt to our life in the future.” By fostering a deep understanding of both the potential and the ethical implications of these technologies, we empower our students to become responsible and informed innovators, ready for a rapidly evolving world.

To achieve this vision, we are committed to a robust computer science curriculum while also weaving emerging technologies into the fabric of our academic program. For instance, our Upper School English teachers are using AI chatbots to help students analyze their writing, refine thesis statements, and engage in critical text evaluation—all while ensuring that students remain at the center of the process. Across disciplines, we emphasize the importance of ethical considerations, enabling students to recognize potential biases in machine learning and develop critical analysis skills. This integrated approach ensures that Breck students are not just consumers of technology but also thoughtful, ethical creators and leaders. As Julia Rosenman ’27 shares, “I love computer science because it allows us to create unique programs and build different tools and applications. Computer science also allows students to be creative, which makes it a fun combination of both STEM and art.”

Our commitment to providing a "low floor and a high ceiling" in our computer science program ensures that all students, regardless of their prior experience, can find an entry point and a pathway to excel. The growth in student participation in computer science classes, from 32 students in 2018-2019 to 138 in 2023-2024, is a testament to the increasing interest and engagement in this field. As we look ahead, we are dedicated to providing personalized learning experiences that meet each student where they are and support their individual growth. This balanced and thoughtful integration of emerging technologies into our curriculum is key to preparing our students to thrive in a world of rapid technological advancement, embodying our core values of compassion, excellence, inclusivity, and respect as they become confident learners and responsible leaders.