Oxford High School in Oxford, Mississippi.
The Oxford School District (OSD) is delighted to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new course at Oxford High School: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence I & II, beginning this fall. This innovative class marks a major milestone — not only for Oxford High School, but for the state of Mississippi.
Developed in partnership with EdgeTheory, an AI-powered narrative intelligence company based in Mississippi, the course represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration that brings artificial intelligence education directly to the high school classroom. Oxford High School is the first public high school in Mississippi to offer a dedicated course in artificial intelligence.
Offered through the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, the class will be taught in Oxford High School’s new Career Pathways Building. Students will explore AI fundamentals, hear from industry professionals, visit EdgeTheory’s lab, and have the opportunity to earn certifications through EdgeTheory.
Carter Kirk, a 2025 graduate of Oxford High School interned with EdgeTheory while attending Oxford High School. His experience reflects the type of real-world learning the district aims to provide through CTE courses.
Kirk said, “Interning at EdgeTheory has been a great experience that helped me grow in both the business and tech worlds. I’ve learned how startups operate, gained hands-on experience with CRMs, and tackled real challenges alongside an experienced and driven team…EdgeTheory has given me a well-rounded, hands-on experience that’s not only shaped my skills but also opened new doors for my future.”
This course was developed through collaboration with Dr. Duncan Gray, OSD’s Director of Community and Workforce Development; Nate Flake, Director of Programs at EdgeTheory; Ryan Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation, and Thomas Herrington, OSD’s Instructional Technology Coordinator and class instructor for Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. Together, they created a curriculum that blends industry expertise with classroom instruction to prepare students for an evolving digital world.
“For students today, AI is like a lightbulb. It not only is a useful tool, but it affects how they see everything else. The difference, however, is that a lightbulb reveals what is hidden, but AI can reveal what is there and also things that aren’t really there. This new AI class is designed to help teach OHS students how to use AI as a tool and also discern what is real and what isn’t — and then to make wise decisions based upon that,” Herrington said.
The launch of this course reflects a broader focus within Oxford School District’s CTE programs: to equip students with practical, applicable skills that connect learning to future career pathways.
This initiative also complements the work of the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation, which continues to explore strategies to strengthen the region’s future workforce. Oxford School District is proud to support these efforts by preparing students with skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy, wherever they go.
Ryan Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation, said “…students need to not only be knowledgeable of the technology that is AI (what it is and where it came from), but also be equipped with the instruction and preparation to use it wisely in their future endeavors. I believe ALL education is work-force development. We educate students to be life-long learners, but we’re also equipping them to be professionals in whatever field they choose. AI is a tool to help them navigate this process, to more acutely prepare them.”
Local workforce development conversations have highlighted four key areas of growth for the region: financial services technologies (including fintech), entrepreneurship and innovation, pharmaceutical and medical device technology, and research and development. Oxford High School’s new AI course sits at the intersection of these fields—equipping students with foundational skills that apply across a wide range of emerging industries.
The Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course is more than just a new academic offering — it reflects Oxford School District’s continued investment in innovation, workforce readiness, and meaningful community partnerships. As technology continues to evolve, Oxford High School is committed to preparing students with the tools, experiences, and knowledge they need to thrive in future careers.
About EdgeTheory
EdgeTheory is a Mississippi-based AI company specializing in narrative intelligence. Its technology helps organizations detect emerging trends, analyze narrative patterns, and make informed decisions. EdgeTheory serves clients across sectors including education, national security, and healthcare. Learn more at www.edgetheory.com.
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