Elon Musk’s pre-kindergarten Montessori school in Texas is now open for enrollment
The school, known as Ad Astra, received its initial permit from the Texas childcare regulator, paving the way for Musk’s ambitious STEM-focused education plans that include multiple independent K-12 schools and potentially a college within the state.
Located about 40 minutes from Austin in Bastrop county, Ad Astra aims to enroll up to 54 students in upper and lower elementary grades, focusing on providing STEM education at the highest levels.
The first batch of pupils will be between three and six years old, engaging in exploration and tasks like coloring, collage-making, and studying maps and globes.
Despite some initial application delays, Ad Astra obtained its state permit and is now considered a licensed childcare program. The preschool can accommodate nearly two dozen children, with an initial enrollment of 16.
This isn’t Musk’s first foray into education, as he previously launched an “Ad Astra” school which later transitioned into “Astra Nova” in 2020. Now, Ad Astra is backed by the Musk Foundation and X Foundation, with plans to expand into primary, secondary, and university education.
Work and Play
Ad Astra’s approach to learning involves exploration, with a curriculum inspired by psychologists Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs. The school will emphasize self-directed learning, hands-on experiences, and collaborative play, similar to Musk’s other ventures like Discovery Preschool.
Ad Astra offers a unique learning environment with a focus on “work” and “play,” teaching children essential life skills while nurturing creativity and curiosity. Tuition fees for the school have not been disclosed.
Musk’s involvement in the project is evident, though his name is not directly associated with the materials. The X Foundation, funded by the Musk Foundation, owns the school property and oversees the project’s development. Xplor Education, led by Musk’s financial advisor Jared Birchall, is actively involved in operating the new school.
As the school expands, it may accommodate distance learners and adjust its capacity based on community needs. Musk’s vision for Ad Astra represents a significant investment in education and innovation.
For more information on Musk’s education initiatives and other business ventures, refer to the Xplor Education website.
