Joshua Lezmi, Head Guide, Alpha Schools Miami

Invest: spoke with Joshua Lezmi, head guide of Alpha Schools Miami, about the school’s mastery-based, AI-driven learning model and its emphasis on resilience, real-world skills, and intentional growth. “Failure is a major part of our model,” Lezmi said.

How does Alpha School Miami’s mastery-based, AI-driven model work day-to-day for students and guides?
The mastery-based portion of our model happens during the first two hours of the day. Every student has what we call an individualized app landscape, which depends on their developmental level and academic readiness. Students might be in the same grade, but the apps they are using for math, reading, science, or language can look different because the curriculum is tailored specifically to where they are.

When students arrive, we assess them using subject-specific and grade-level evaluations. That data feeds into our AI-backed system, which identifies gaps and strengths. A student might technically be in fourth grade, for example, but still need reinforcement on third-grade multiplication facts. The system adjusts automatically and builds a curriculum that meets the student exactly where they are.

What allows us to do this work in two focused hours is efficiency. The curriculum is comprehensive, but it removes unnecessary lessons that don’t directly teach core concepts. If a student does need additional support or enrichment, those lessons are available. The goal is to deliver precisely what a student needs to master to move forward confidently.

What adaptive learning tools do students use, and how do guides support learning beyond the technology?
All of our learning tools live within Timeback, which is our proprietary platform. Timeback functions as the central hub that integrates data from all academic apps and directs students to the exact lessons they need each day. Students are not trying to figure out what comes next; the system already knows based on their progress from the previous day.

Within Timeback, students use tools such as Zearn, Math Academy, and MobyMax, along with Alpha’s proprietary tools, including Alpha Read, Alpha Write, and Alpha Numbers. Younger students might use programs like Amira, Lalilo, Amplify, or Clear Fluency, while older students move into more advanced reading and math platforms.

Because the screen delivers the instruction, the role of the guide is fundamentally different from that of a traditional teacher. Guides act as mentors and coaches. Instead of holding the information and delivering it to students, they sit beside students and partner with them in their learning. That dynamic shift builds trust and removes tension.

What does success look like for Alpha students, beyond test scores?
Academically, we track growth using MAP testing three times per year. We promise two times the expected academic growth, and that data is shared transparently with families. We also require mastery. Students cannot move ahead to the next level until they demonstrate at least 90 percent proficiency on grade-level assessments, ensuring foundational skills are solid before progressing.

Beyond academics, our afternoons are dedicated to life skills workshops. These focus on areas like financial literacy, public speaking, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and critical thinking. Each workshop is carefully scaffolded so students build confidence gradually.

For example, in public speaking workshops, students begin with low-pressure activities designed to reduce fear. Over time, they progress to structured speaking exercises. We measure growth objectively, tracking factors such as volume, tonal variation, and filler word usage. Life skills growth becomes just as measurable as academic growth.

What did earning Cognia accreditation mean for Alpha Miami?
Cognia accreditation served as external validation of what we already knew internally. It confirmed that our systems, data, and student outcomes are aligned. It reflected the quality of work happening every day and reinforced that students are thriving academically and personally.

How does Alpha prepare students for the real world differently than traditional schools?
One of the biggest differences is how we approach failure. Failure is a major part of our model. We operate under a high standards, high support philosophy. Standards do not change, but support increases when students struggle.

Students encounter failure early and often, both academically and in workshops. They learn how to respond productively instead of shutting down. Many people don’t encounter real failure until adulthood, and by then, they lack the tools to manage it. We want students to build that resilience early.

Can you share an example of students applying life skills to real-world challenges?
One example comes from a workshop focused on giving and receiving feedback. Students participated in a cooking workshop where professional chefs evaluated their dishes using industry standards. The feedback was direct, and students were expected to apply it immediately.

Through this process, students became more comfortable with constructive criticism. That comfort transferred into other areas, whether in athletics, academics, or group collaboration. The time between receiving feedback and implementing it shortened significantly.

What have been some early challenges and victories since launching Alpha Miami?
A major victory has been assembling a passionate, committed team of guides who care deeply about students and relationships. Maintaining that culture as we grow has been essential.

The biggest challenge has been helping parents grow comfortable with productive failure. Students often adapt quickly, while parents need time. To address this, we host parent education events that explain how high standards and high support work in practice and why they matter.

What are your top priorities for the next few years?
My top priority is ensuring our current students and families continue to feel supported, challenged, and happy. Growth must be intentional. As we expand, we want to add thoughtfully to the community we’ve built.

Another priority is continuing to attract strong guides and helping Alpha Miami become known in the community, so families who will truly benefit from this model can find us.