A new kind of school could soon bring AI tutors, laptop-based learning and a nontraditional classroom model to downtown Greenwich.

Alpha School, a Texas-based K-8 private school network, has submitted plans to convert the vacant Saks Fifth Avenue space at 20 East Elm St. into its first Connecticut campus.

The proposal would transform about 9,220 square feet of retail space into a school and requires approval from the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission, including a change of use, special permit and site-plan approval. No hearing date has been set.

Alpha’s model, called “2 Hour Learning,” has students spend about two hours each day on core academics using AI-powered tools, with the rest of the day focused on workshops such as communication and financial literacy. The school uses “guides” rather than certified teachers to supervise students and support learning.

Tuition ranges from $10,000 to $75,000 annually at Alpha campuses nationwide. The New York City location, which opened in 2025, charges $65,000 per year. Greenwich tuition has not been announced.

The proposed site previously housed the Greenwich Time newspaper and later Saks Fifth Avenue before the retailer consolidated its local stores.

Alpha would occupy the building’s first floor. The school expects a maximum of 10 employees once fully enrolled, according to its application.

Students would arrive through drop-off, pickup, public transportation or walking. The school is working with traffic engineers on a plan for arrivals and departures.

Alpha says its students rank among the top 1% to 2% nationally on MAP testing, but the company has not allowed independent verification of those results.

The AI-based model has also drawn scrutiny in some states, where charter school applications were rejected over concerns about the approach being untested.

Alpha currently operates campuses in Austin, Miami, San Francisco and New York City and says about 25% of students receive scholarships.

The proposal remains in the pre-application stage and has not yet been scheduled for a Planning & Zoning hearing.