Almost all American students (84 percent) use AI at least "a few times a year," while two-thirds use it monthly, according to a recent survey of 11,443 high-achieving students conducted by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). The survey also found that the percentage of students "not using AI at all" has dropped from 36 percent in 2024 to 6 percent in 2026, while almost half (49 percent) use AI daily or weekly. The most common usage of AI includes searching for information (55 percent), brainstorming (51 percent), and proofreading (31 percent).
Other similar surveys also suggest that AI use among students is becoming increasingly normalized. According to the College Board, the share of high school students reporting that they use generative AI tools for schoolwork rose from 79 percent in January 2025 to 84 percent in May 2025. Students are using these tools for routine academic tasks, including brainstorming ideas, editing or revising essays, conducting research, and finding sources.
