Elon Musk’s experimental school, Ad Astra, is now accepting students in the rural Texas community of Bastrop. Founded by Musk in 2014 to educate his own children, the school initially served his children and those of SpaceX employees. The curriculum focused heavily on STEM subjects such as math, science, artificial intelligence, and robotics. However, it reportedly closed in 2020 during the pandemic and shifted to an online school called Astra Nova, which has now been redirected to the current Ad Astra website.
The Bastrop location of Ad Astra will stress a similar curriculum, although details about its classes are limited on the school’s website. The school is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year and has specified that children must be toilet-independent before beginning the Primary program. Ad Astra aims to make all children go through the same grade at the same time, moving away from traditional grade levels. The school plans to accept 18 primary students and 30 lower elementary students, with tuition being subsidized for the first year.
Last year, there were reports that Musk was considering opening a Montessori school in Bastrop, and there were job postings for teachers through a staffing firm in the area. The school’s website does not mention being a Montessori school, but job listings for preschool, elementary, and STEM teachers are still available. The school will be located on a former horse farm in Bastrop, according to property records.
Musk’s presence in Bastrop has caused controversy, as he has been buying up land in the area for his companies, SpaceX and The Boring Company. Musk’s companies have been accused of recklessly developing land along the Colorado River, leading to environmental fines for infractions like the improper disposal of wastewater. Musk has also started a housing community called “Snailbrook” and a collection of shops and eateries known as “Hyperloop Plaza” in the town.
Overall, Ad Astra in Bastrop represents Musk’s vision for an innovative and non-traditional education system. The school’s emphasis on STEM subjects and unique approach to grade levels set it apart from traditional schools. Despite controversy surrounding Musk’s land acquisitions in Bastrop, the school’s opening signals a new chapter in education for the community. Applicants now have the opportunity to be a part of this groundbreaking experiment in education.
