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Elon Musk’s STEM-Focused School Opens in Texas
Elon Musk’s Montessori pre-kindergarten school in Bastrop, Texas, has received its operating permit. The school, named “Ad Astra” (Latin for “to the stars”), focuses on STEM education. It will initially enroll 16 three to six-year-olds.
Ambitious Educational Plans
Ad Astra is part of Musk’s broader plans to establish a network of STEM-focused schools and a university in Texas. The Musk Foundation has allocated nearly $100 million for the project.
Montessori Approach
As a Montessori school, Ad Astra emphasizes self-directed learning, hands-on experiences, and collaborative play. The curriculum includes exploration, problem-solving, and social skills.
Connection to Musk’s Companies
Ad Astra is located near several of Musk’s company facilities, including the headquarters of X (formerly Twitter). Musk’s financial advisor, Jared Birchall, was involved in the school’s application process.
Future Growth
The school plans to expand beyond its initial 54-student capacity based on community needs. Distance learning may also be offered in the future.
Tuition and Enrollment
Tuition for Ad Astra has not been disclosed. However, a similar Montessori school in Hawaii operated by the same company charges $968 per month.