As artificial intelligence transforms nearly every corner of the modern classroom, parents face a crucial question: how can they ensure their children benefit from the power of AI without losing the personal mentorship and support that define meaningful learning?

The U.S. Department of Education recently issued new guidance on the responsible use of federal grant funds for AI-driven tools in K–12 and higher education. The directive encourages schools to explore AI’s potential to expand access, personalize learning, and support educators, while firmly emphasizing that technology should complement the essential human role in teaching and mentoring.

That balance between cutting-edge technology and authentic human connection is at the heart of Swoon Learning, a Bay Area-based tutoring company that’s gradually reshaping how high school students receive academic support.

Founded by seasoned entrepreneurs Carla Bayot and Cory Borman, Swoon Learning is taking a balanced approach to education: AI-powered insights, paired with highly trained Academic Coaches who help students improve executive functioning, time management, and confidence—skills that AI alone cannot replicate.

Families Face a New Learning Landscape

From intelligent tutoring systems to virtual college planning tools, AI now plays an increasing role in how students learn, get support, and prepare for the future. The Department’s updated federal guidelines allow schools and grantees to allocate funds toward:

• Adaptive learning platforms that respond to students in real time

• Hybrid tutoring models where AI complements human instruction

• Predictive systems to identify students needing extra support

• AI-based career and academic advising platforms

But with these innovations comes responsibility. The Department outlines clear principles: AI should be educator-led, ethically designed, accessible to all learners, transparent, and data-protective. And most importantly, the use of AI should be community-informed and human-centered.

This is where families need additional guidance. For many parents, the sudden influx of AI tools in classrooms and extracurricular services can feel opaque, confusing, or even overwhelming. How does a chatbot-based tutor compare to a real academic coach? Should students use AI for homework help? Can these systems accurately assess a teen’s stress or workload?

Swoon Learning: A Human-First Model for the AI Era

Swoon Learning offers an emerging model and approach that centers on personalized one-on-one Academic Coaching—not just for test prep, but for developing habits that can last a lifetime.

Each session at Swoon Learning blends targeted academic support with coaching in goal-setting, organization, mental health balance, and executive functioning. AI is used as a behind-the-scenes support tool through their proprietary learning management system, Swoon Front Office®—providing insights into performance trends, streamlining scheduling, or making content suggestions. But the delivery? That comes from a human coach who listens, adapts, and motivates.

“At Swoon, we don’t believe students need more screens—they need more connection,” says co-founder Carla Bayot. “We use AI where it adds value, but it will never replace the impact of a mentor who truly understands a student and helps them grow.”

This approach aligns directly with the Department of Education’s guidance. Federal funds may now be used to support training for families and educators on how to use AI responsibly. Swoon Learning is already doing that by educating both parents and students on when and how to use tools like GPT-powered writing assistants or AI-generated flashcards—with a strong emphasis on digital ethics, privacy, and critical thinking.

A Playbook for Parents

For families looking to evaluate supplemental services or school-based AI programs, here are a few practical tips inspired by both the Department of Education’s guidelines and Swoon’s practices:

• Who’s leading the learning? Is the tool supporting or replacing a teacher or coach?

• Understand the data. What student information is collected, and who has access to it?

• Ensure accessibility. Are tools inclusive for students with disabilities or language barriers?

• Prioritize transparency. Can the AI’s logic or decision-making be explained in plain language?

• Look for a human connection. Does the program offer real mentorship, coaching, or support alongside technology?

As education moves toward a tech-integrated future, the goal isn’t to remove the human element—but to amplify it. That’s the central idea behind both the Department of Education’s guidance and Swoon Learning’s growing influence in the space.

For families navigating the AI age of learning, companies like Swoon serve as a timely reminder: when innovation meets empathy and expertise, students are more likely to thrive.