The study explores the challenges and prospects of implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Basic Education to enhance educational quality and equity. A mixed-methods approach was employed in 14 educational institutions, involving 69 teachers and 14 administrators. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and classroom observations, yielding both quantitative and qualitative insights. The findings reveal divergent trends in AI adoption based on gender and age, with women showing greater familiarity at initial levels. An equitable distribution in work experience was observed between genders in certain time ranges. There is a preference for AI applications related to content generation over analytics and detection. These results highlight the need to address gender imbalances and promote balanced AI use in basic education to maximize its potential and improve educational quality for all students. The study underscores the importance of ethical and responsible AI implementation, addressing concerns such as algorithmic bias and data privacy, and ensuring educators are adequately prepared to use AI effectively. Despite challenges, the integration of AI offers significant opportunities to transform teaching and learning, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation and strategic planning to ensure equitable access and quality education for all.The study explores the challenges and prospects of implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Basic Education to enhance educational quality and equity. A mixed-methods approach was employed in 14 educational institutions, involving 69 teachers and 14 administrators. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and classroom observations, yielding both quantitative and qualitative insights. The findings reveal divergent trends in AI adoption based on gender and age, with women showing greater familiarity at initial levels. An equitable distribution in work experience was observed between genders in certain time ranges. There is a preference for AI applications related to content generation over analytics and detection. These results highlight the need to address gender imbalances and promote balanced AI use in basic education to maximize its potential and improve educational quality for all students. The study underscores the importance of ethical and responsible AI implementation, addressing concerns such as algorithmic bias and data privacy, and ensuring educators are adequately prepared to use AI effectively. Despite challenges, the integration of AI offers significant opportunities to transform teaching and learning, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation and strategic planning to ensure equitable access and quality education for all.