Elon Musk, known for his ventures like SpaceX, Tesla, and his role as owner of X, has now stepped into education. On November 14, Texas authorities granted an initial permit for Musk’s pre-kindergarten Montessori school, Ad Astra (Latin for “to the stars”).
The school aims to cultivate a new generation of problem solvers. Located in Bastrop, Texas, near Musk’s other companies like SpaceX and The Boring Company, Ad Astra represents a significant step in his educational aspirations.
Musk envisions a comprehensive educational ecosystem. Starting with a preschool, he plans to expand into primary and secondary education, eventually establishing a university. To fund these ventures, Musk has allocated nearly $100 million through his non-profit, the X Foundation.
The preschool, housed on a 40-acre former horse ranch, includes a basketball court and can enroll 54 students aged three to six. Greg Marick, CEO of Xplor Education, and three other faculty members run the institution.
Ad Astra distinguishes itself from traditional educational institutions by promoting hands-on, project-based learning. Its mission, as stated on the school’s website, is to “foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers.”
The curriculum focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with activities such as map study, collage-making, and exploration of globes. Uninterrupted work periods allow children to immerse themselves in tasks of their choosing, guided by individual mentorship.
The classrooms are multi-age, grouping children of different ages to encourage lasting relationships. Inspired by the philosophies of psychologists Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs, the curriculum aims to teach responsibility, respect, and resourcefulness.
The school emphasizes social and emotional growth, incorporating lessons in empathy, grace, courtesy, and compassion. These elements aim to produce well-rounded individuals capable of making positive societal contributions.
While tuition costs remain undisclosed, the school emphasizes merit-based admissions, with a commitment to non-discrimination based on race, color, national or ethnic origin.
Musk’s educational experiments began in 2014 when he withdrew his five children from a private school in Los Angeles. He created the first Ad Astra in a SpaceX conference room for his children and those of his colleagues. This version of the school later evolved into Astra Nova, an independent remote-only school, in 2020.
Musk has expressed dissatisfaction with traditional schools, advocating for problem-solving-focused curricula. He once explained his philosophy: “It’s important to teach problem-solving or teach to the problem and not the tools. For example, instead of teaching about tools like screwdrivers and wrenches, it’s better to start with an engine, disassemble it, and discover the need for tools along the way.”
Ad Astra’s Role in Musk’s “Texas Utopia”
The preschool is part of Musk’s larger vision for Snailbrook, a township near Austin designed for his family and company staff. Dubbed “a sort of Texas utopia along the Colorado River,” Snailbrook includes housing, factories, and even a church.
Musk moved to Texas in 2021 after disagreements with California policies, including one limiting parental notification requirements for transgender students. His Texas ventures, including Ad Astra, symbolize his broader vision for innovation and community building.
