Gulliver Prep Students Experience the Power of AI

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Gulliver Preparatory School recently brought innovation to life with a dynamic, division-wide Day of AI, engaging students from Primary through Upper School in hands-on experiences, real-world applications, and forward-thinking discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in today’s world.

Across campus, students explored AI not just as a concept, but as a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and discovery.

In the Primary, Lower, and Middle School divisions, students rotated through interactive stations designed to introduce the capabilities of AI in engaging and age-appropriate ways. From interacting with a robotic dog to exploring language learning through AI-powered tools, students experienced firsthand how technology can enhance everyday learning. Middle School students also took on leadership roles, guiding younger peers through foundational concepts such as programming and digital safety, including lessons on firewalls and responsible use.

Creativity took center stage as students experimented with AI-generated music, discovering new ways to express ideas through emerging technologies.

At the Upper School level, the day shifted from exploration to application. Students and faculty led live presentations demonstrating how AI is already being used to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and solve complex problems. Faculty members shared how AI supports everything from lesson planning to content creation, while students showcased innovative projects with real-world impact.

Among these projects were tools designed to analyze and optimize stock market performance, as well as AI-assisted models aimed at supporting radiologists in interpreting chest X-rays—highlighting the potential of AI in fields ranging from finance to healthcare.

Upper School student Zachary Zapata shared his experience developing AI-driven tools in the financial space. “I built a financial dashboard that provides insights into portfolio holdings and delivers live news that can impact the stock market,” he said. “I also developed a Nasdaq algorithmic trading bot that can execute trades automatically.”

The sophomore credited AI with playing a major role in helping him think more creatively. “I was able to brainstorm ideas and build things I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.”

And the results, for him, are fulfilling. “What makes this especially exciting is seeing something I spent a lot of time working on actually function and produce results. It was incredibly rewarding to watch it all come together,” Zapata said.

For Stephanie Sanchez, Social Media Strategist & Multimedia Coordinator, the day reflected a broader shift in how students are beginning to think about and use AI. “AI is a creative partner. It can help you create faster, but more importantly, it can help you create with intention. Whether in marketing or storytelling, the real opportunity is using it to make people feel something… and to use that influence for good.”

Equally important to the day’s programming was a focus on AI safety, ethics, and responsible use, ensuring students understand not only what these tools can do—but how to use them thoughtfully.

As Michelle Nieto, Director of Educational Technology & Information Services, explained, “AI at Gulliver Prep is a resource, not a replacement. We use it to strengthen work through reflection, demonstrate ethical agency, and prepare our students to thrive where artificial and human intelligence intersect.”

She added, “Preparing for the future means balancing technical knowledge with the human skills that matter most. At Gulliver, our students are learning to treat AI as a mentor and collaborator for brainstorming and iteration, while simultaneously developing the ethical awareness to know when not to use it. It’s about nurturing AI literacy in ways that prioritize critical thinking over simple consumption.”

Gulliver’s Day of AI reflects the school’s commitment to preparing students to understand emerging technologies. By fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking across all divisions, students are empowered to explore how AI can shape their future and the world around them.

 

Athletic Center, Upper School Campus

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