Elon Musk, known for his ventures in technology and space with companies like Tesla and SpaceX, is set to extend his influence into education with the upcoming opening of a Montessori-style school in Bastrop, Texas. Branded as Ad Astra, which is Latin for "to the stars," the school's mission is to "foster curiosity, creativity and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders," as per their website KVUE reports.
The curriculum at Ad Astra is primarily focused on STEM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. With the school's Montessori roots reflected in its hands-on and project-based learning approach, it aims to tailor to each child's pace and interests. The educational program is all set to accept applications for the 2024-25 school year, targeting children between the ages of 3 to 9. As reported by KXAN, the school caps at nearly 50 students, with specifically 18 spots for primary students aged 3-6, and 30 for lower elementary students aged 6-9.
Ad Astra's emphasis on merit-based admission will be a guiding principle in its enrollment process. This underscores the institution's commitment to equal opportunity, as stated on its website: "Ad Astra School admits students based on merit, regardless of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school."
The school's relationship with Musk does not end at its founding. Ad Astra is only the latest of Musk's ventures to find a home in Bastrop, joining the ranks of SpaceX, Tesla, Boring Company, and Neuralink. The new school locale will be stationed on a former 40-acre horse ranch, adding educational pursuits to the tech mogul's expanding Texan empire. Per a job posting, educators are eagerly sought and are to preferably hold an Association Montessori International primary diploma and have substantial experience of over five years as a Montessori guide. More information on the open positions and school details are available online with a stated preference for candidates to be residents of the greater Austin area.
The establishment of Ad Astra within Bastrop contributes to Musk's broader ambition to reshape and innovate across industries. Since the inception of a small educational program on SpaceX's California campus 10 years ago, which was initially for Musk's children and SpaceX employees' children, the project has now branched out significantly. The city has previously welcomed Musk's other corporate relocations, including the moving of X's headquarters to Austin and SpaceX to the Brownsville area, which is indicative of Musk's growing stake in Texas' future KVUE informs. Interested parents and potential staff can find more details about the forthcoming Ad Astra school on its official platform.
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