Loomis Chaffee recently received a Responsible AI in Learning (RAIL) endorsement from the Middle States Association, a school accrediting organization. Gaining the endorsement requires a school to consider how it will use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in ways that align with ethical standards and institutional values.  

Matt Johnson, Loomis’ director of educational and administrative AI initiatives, was one of eight faculty members on the committee that did the bulk of the work to receive the endorsement. The others were Head of School Jody Reilly Soja, Associate Head of School Webb Trenchard, Associate Dean of Faculty Liz Leyden, Dean of Faculty Andrew Matlack, Director of Writing Initiatives John Morrell, math and science teacher Adnan Rubai, and Associate Director of Studies Kate Saxton. Matt estimates the work took about 100 hours collectively. 

AI is developing faster than Matt could have imagined, he said, mentioning the breadth of its potential impact across campus and the effects it has and will have on education. 

“One thing RAIL offers institutions is a bit of a path for how you might think about the ways in which AI is inviting an institution to change, adapt, and grow ... but it is not ‘Here’s how you need to change,’” Matt said. “[The endorsement process] is an opportunity to think about how much the core pieces of the school hold up in the AI world. How can you make sure your values and mission and purpose are still oriented in the same direction in a world where this tool exists? ... Having the template of areas to look at and update and change and evaluate was important because it allowed us to be a lot more thorough than we would have been otherwise.” 

For a student, Matt said, this work is a confirmation that the school remains relevant and responsible in educating its students now and in the future. 

A RAIL endorsement is built on developing standards, concepts that comprise those standards, indicators of quality for the key concepts, and evidence to prove the school is fulfilling the indicators, according to the Middle States Association. In addition, the process of earning the endorsement “relies on institutional reflection (in the form of a self-study), capacity development (in the form of creating or updating required evidence), and community building (in the form of engagement with major stakeholders).” 

The LC committee submitted multiple reports relating to AI, including its strategy and an organizational chart that designates who is responsible for tasks such as training, overseeing student generative AI use, and determining the implications for data and IT systems. 

The Loomis Chaffee AI strategy, for instance, included this statement: “We will not ignore a technological change like this one. We are engaging it critically and intentionally while protecting what makes education transformative: human relationships, authentic intellectual struggle, and the development of young people who can think, create, and connect deeply.” 

Even before seeking the RAIL endorsement, Loomis Chaffee was proactive regarding AI, having hosted three Artificial Intelligence Symposiums for teachers and administrators since 2003. More than 30 schools were represented at the 2025 symposium, which included 25 workshop options for participants. The Loomis Chaffee five-year strategic plan released last year refers to artificial intelligence in its vision statement, pledging that “we emphasize a dedication to humanity and thoughtful integration of new technologies, with a commitment to critical thinking, creativity, self-expression, and meaningful dialogue.” 

Moving forward, Matt said, the top priorities include “continuing to be a community that leans into the challenges and opportunities this technology presents.”  

“We want to do more to respond to student needs and concern — we'll bring in an expert this spring, Eric Hudson, to help facilitate open, honest conversations among teachers, administration, and students,” Matt continued. “We want to support more student-led and designed programming, too.” 

Mr. Hudson is a speaker, facilitator, and strategic advisor who works with schools in many areas, including generative AI. 

“We also will continue to provide high-quality training and support for teachers,” Matt said.