A good AI policy is short, practical and honest about what the school or district has actually decided. These are the areas most guidance asks you to address.
There is no single national AI policy for US schools. These federal sources, plus your state's K-12 AI guidance and student privacy law, are what most district policies draw on.
Says AI uses that fit existing federal grant programs can be allowable when they meet statutory and regulatory requirements, and sets out principles for responsible use, including that AI should be educator-led, ethical, accessible, transparent and compliant with federal privacy law.
Set up a White House Task Force on AI Education and asked for K-12 AI education resources and teacher training.
Protects the privacy of student education records, so any AI tool that receives them needs checking.
Applies to online services that collect personal information from children under 13.
Internet safety and filtering requirements for schools and libraries that receive E-rate discounts.
Summaries checked against the official pages in October 2026. Many states have also published K-12 AI guidance: check your state education agency for the current version.
A US Letter Word document (.docx) with real headings and tables, so it is easy to edit, add your logo to and paste into your own policy format. Every [bracketed] item is highlighted so nothing gets missed.
Download AI policy template (.docx) βFree Β· no sign-up Β· US wording
Reviewing LessonHQ itself? Our AI safety page sets out exactly what is and is not sent to AI providers, and School IT has the details your technology team needs.
There is no single federal rule that requires one, but federal privacy laws such as FERPA and COPPA apply to AI tools that handle student data, and many states have published K-12 AI guidance. A written policy is the clearest way to show staff, students and families how AI is used safely. Check your state education agency for any state requirements.
Yes. The Word document is free to download with no sign-up, and you can edit it however you like. If you would rather have a tailored draft written for you, the Staffroom policy generator can do that (Educator, Pro and School plans).
Anything in square brackets is a decision your school or district needs to make or a detail to fill in, such as the AI lead's name, the approved tools list, or what each grade may use AI for. Replace or delete each one before the policy is approved.
Usually the school board, or the superintendent or principal under delegated authority, after review by your data privacy and technology leads. Set a review date of at least once a year.
Only in the ways you decide. The template includes a table by grade band for what is and is not allowed, plus a student acceptable use agreement. Whatever you choose, follow each tool's own age restrictions and remember COPPA protections for children under 13.
No. The template is a starting point based on the official guidance listed on this page. Laws and guidance change, so check the current versions and take advice from your district counsel or state education agency before approval.
This version is written for US schools and districts. The UK version, with UK GDPR, KCSIE and JCQ references, is on lessonhq.co.uk.