3 Harmony school teams win Texas AI challenge, advance to regionals

The charter school organization's projects focused on transforming learning, improving classroom efficiency, and keeping kids safe online.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of an advanced AI-powered classroom lighting system, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the hardware components, conceptually representing the innovative technology developed by Harmony Science Academy - Carrollton.Harmony Public Schools' AI-powered innovations are transforming the classroom experience and operations across Texas.Austin Today

Three Harmony Public Schools teams were named as Texas winners in the 2026 Presidential AI Challenge, a competition that allowed K-12 youth, educators, mentors and community teams to solve real-world problems using AI-powered solutions. The winning Harmony projects focused on transforming passive learners into active co-creators, using AI to improve classroom lighting and energy efficiency, and leveraging AI to keep children safe online.

Why it matters

The Harmony Public Schools' victories in the Texas AI challenge showcase the growing role of artificial intelligence in K-12 education, from enhancing the learning experience to improving school operations and student safety. As AI becomes more prevalent, these types of competitions help prepare the next generation to harness the technology's potential.

The details

The three winning Harmony Public Schools projects were: 'The Human AI Agency Cycle: Transforming Passive Learners into Active Co-Creators', 'AI-Driven Classroom Lighting to Improve Student Focus and Energy Efficiency', and 'KidzShield: Using AI to Keep Children Safe Online on Every Screen'. As state winners, the Harmony teams will now advance to regional competitions, with the finalists having the opportunity to showcase their projects in Washington, D.C. in June.

  • The 2026 Presidential AI Challenge took place in 2026.
  • The Harmony Public Schools teams were named as Texas winners in April 2026.
  • The regional competitions will take place after the state-level wins.
  • The finalists will showcase their projects in Washington, D.C. in June 2026.

The players

Harmony Public Schools

A charter school organization that had three of its teams win the Texas AI challenge.

Harmony Science Academy - Carrollton

A Harmony Public Schools campus that won for its project on using AI-driven classroom lighting to improve student focus and energy efficiency.

Harmony Science Academy - Leander

A Harmony Public Schools campus that won for its project on using AI to keep children safe online on every screen.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Harmony Public Schools teams will advance to the regional competitions after their state-level wins, with the finalists having the opportunity to showcase their projects in Washington, D.C. in June 2026.

The takeaway

These Harmony Public Schools projects demonstrate how AI can be leveraged in K-12 education to transform the learning experience, enhance school operations, and improve student safety - preparing the next generation to harness the potential of this emerging technology.