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