By Elon Musk’s latest venture into education, the Ad Astra Montessori preschool, has officially received its permit to operate in Bastrop County, Texas.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission approved the school’s license on November 14, allowing it to open its doors to children aged three to six.
This milestone marks the beginning of a broader educational initiative, as Ad Astra aims to eventually expand into K-12 education and possibly a university.
The preschool, located about 40 minutes from Austin, reflects Musk’s long-standing commitment to rethinking traditional systems, including education.
By focusing on STEM from an early age, the preschool aligns with Musk’s broader mission to drive humanity toward a technologically advanced future.
The initial cohort will include up to 16 children, though the facility is designed to accommodate 54 students in the future, Fortune said in a report.
While the tuition for Ad Astra has not been disclosed, comparable schools under Xplor Education charge approximately $968 per month.
The story behind ‘Ad Astra’
Named “Ad Astra,” which means “to the stars” in Latin, the school embodies Musk’s aspirations for advancing humanity, both on Earth and beyond.
The Montessori curriculum is tailored to foster exploration, curiosity, and problem-solving from a young age.
Ad Astra’s initial focus is on activities like colouring, collage-making, studying globes, and even practical life skills such as buttoning clothes and resolving conflicts.
Inspired by the educational philosophies of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs, the curriculum encourages self-directed learning and helps children become responsible and resourceful members of their community.
The preschool’s design includes outdoor play areas with basketball courts, tricycles, and open spaces, balancing physical activity with academic exploration.
Why Ad Astra is more ambitious than Musk’s earlier educational experiments
Ad Astra is not Musk’s first attempt to transform education.
In 2014, he created the original Ad Astra school on SpaceX’s campus in California, designed specifically for his children and those of SpaceX employees.
The school operated for several years before evolving into Astra Nova, an independent remote-learning school, in 2020.
The new Ad Astra in Bastrop represents a more ambitious vision.
Funded by Musk’s X Foundation, the project has received nearly $100 million to support its development.
The Bastrop school is set to become part of a larger educational ecosystem, with plans for primary and secondary schools and, potentially, a university.
Musk’s broader influence is evident in the school’s location, just a street away from facilities belonging to his companies.
The new headquarters for X (formerly Twitter), which Musk acquired in 2022 for $44 billion, is also set to be constructed nearby, further cementing his ties to the region.
A peek inside Ad Astra
Ad Astra’s facility is modest but thoughtfully designed. Situated in a white farmhouse with a porch, it features outdoor play areas and classrooms equipped for hands-on learning.
The Montessori-style curriculum integrates work and play, teaching children to explore their surroundings while acquiring essential skills.
The preschool will be overseen by Greg Marick, CEO of Xplor Education, which operates similar Montessori schools, including the Discovery Preschool near SpaceX’s California headquarters and the Hala Kahiki Montessori School in Hawaii.
Three additional faculty members have been hired to support Ad Astra’s launch.
Interestingly, some application materials for Ad Astra appear to mirror those of its Hawaiian counterpart, Hala Kahiki, including references to “island elders,” an apparent clerical error.
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