New Research: Majority of High School Students Use Generative AI for Schoolwork

College Board

• October 6, 2025

In new research published today, College Board finds AI use is more prevalent than ever in America's high schools. Recent advancements of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, like ChatGPT, have contributed to the surge in AI's growing use in high school settings.

Findings from student, parent, and educator responses to College Board surveys administered between June 2024 and June 2025 highlight three emerging trends:

1. The percentage of high school students who report using GenAI tools for schoolwork is growing, increasing from 79% to 84% between January and May 2025.
   Half of high school students are using AI tools for schoolwork to brainstorm ideas, edit or revise essays, and/or conduct research and find sources. ChatGPT is high school students' GenAI tool of choice. 69% of high school students reported using ChatGPT to help with school assignments and homework in May 2025.
2. High school students, parents, and educators believe there are benefits to using AI, but they also have concerns.
   Students are on the fence. 50% neither agree or disagree that the benefits of using AI are greater than the risks, one-quarter agree, and one-quarter disagree. Among parents of high school students, nearly 6 in 10 agree it's better for students to use GenAI for schoolwork than not to use it. As for school administrators, more than 85% view students' learning to use AI tools as part of their high school education as very or somewhat valuable. However, principals, AP coordinators, and teachers still have concerns about AI affecting students' academic integrity, students' essential learning skills, and teachers' technical and professional support needs.
3. Educators are still finding their way regarding AI, and a minority of schools are establishing official, uniform student GenAI use policies.
   55% of principals indicate that their high schools haven't blocked students or teachers from accessing GenAI tools on the school's network, while the remaining 45% report at least some level of restrictions around GenAI tool access. As for use, roughly 2 in 5 schools or districts don't allow students to use GenAI. Approximately 1 in 5 allow such use but have no policy in place. About 13% encourage GenAI use in all classes, while 16% delegate GenAI policy determination to individual teachers, and 12% delegate policy setting to departments or grade levels.

"Many are experimenting with AI in education, but a meaningful impact requires more than experimentation. It requires listening to students, parents, and educators, and grounding solutions in evidence," said College Board Vice President of Research Jessica Howell, Ph.D. "Our research-driven approach ensures that schools at every level, including our vast network of K−12 and higher education members, have the clarity and confidence to navigate this shift while keeping authentic student learning at the center."

The surge in AI's adoption has been so swift that many educators, including teachers, administrators, and district leaders, are struggling to keep up and provide the support and guidance their students and colleagues need. Until now, little has been known or understood about how students are using AI in high schools for schoolwork and about the perceptions of students, parents, and educators on its impact on learning. This research begins to close that gap and offer clarity on the rapid rise.

As a trusted partner to schools, College Board is focused on ensuring that AI enhances student learning rather than short-circuiting it. That begins with giving educators the tools and support they need to navigate this new reality. At the same time, we're committed to helping students build and demonstrate the skills that will matter most for their futures.

In 2024, College Board launched the GenAI Studio, an internal incubator dedicated to accelerating generative AI learnings and responsible use of AI across College Board programs. "Our GenAI work is grounded in a commitment to safeguarding authentic student learning, enhancing the student-teacher relationship, and helping students build the skills they will need to thrive in the future," said College Board General Manager of GenAI Studio Sophia Romee.

Uncovering the role of GenAI is a call to action. Research on how key stakeholders in education are navigating this shift is critical in two ways: It supports the implementation of best GenAI practices in the classroom. It helps develop effective GenAI policies to turn this moment of uncertainty into one of opportunity for all students.

College Board Research

The Research Department generates data and evidence on the impact of educational programs, assessments, and initiatives on students and various education stakeholders. For further information and publications, visit research.collegeboard.org.