Elon Musk’s Montessori School Opens its Doors in Texas

Elon Musk’s Montessori School Opens its Doors in Texas

Elon Musk’s long-awaited Montessori school in Texas has finally received its initial operating permit, paving the way for the visionary entrepreneur to embark on his ambitious plans for a STEM-focused educational empire. The school, dubbed “Ad Astra” (Latin for “to the stars”), has been in development since last year and will serve as a hub for Musk’s aspirations to establish multiple independent K-12 schools and even a university within the state.

Location and Mission of Ad Astra

Ad Astra is nestled approximately 40 minutes from Austin, in Bastrop County, where several of Musk’s companies operate. The independent school aims to enroll up to 54 students across upper and lower elementary grades. According to documents reviewed by Fortune, its overarching mission is to provide “a learning facility dedicated to STEM education at the highest levels.”

Pre-Kindergarten Program

The initial phase of Ad Astra will be a pre-kindergarten program catering to children aged 3 to 6. The curriculum focuses on exploration, with toddlers engaged in hands-on activities such as coloring, collage-making, map and globe study, and imaginative play. The school also features an outdoor play area with a basketball court, tricycles, and balls.

Curriculum Inspired by Adler and Dreikurs

The Ad Astra curriculum draws inspiration from the work of psychologists and educators Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs. It emphasizes “work” and “play” periods, encourages self-directed learning, and fosters collaboration and respect. The school’s goal is to nurture “responsible, respectful, and resourceful members of our community.”

Similarities to Hala Kahiki Montessori School

Ad Astra bears similarities to the Hala Kahiki Montessori School of Lānaʻi, which is also operated by Xplor Education. The schools share similar enrollment application questions, and Ad Astra’s permit application inadvertently refers to the Hawaii school. This suggests a potential convergence in educational approaches and standards.

Tuition and Future Plans

The tuition fees for Ad Astra have not been officially announced. However, the tuition at Hala Kahiki Montessori School stands at $968 per month. Ad Astra’s plans include expanding beyond its initial capacity of 54 students based on community needs and maintaining quality education standards. The school may also incorporate virtual learning options.

Musk’s Involvement

While Musk’s name is absent from official school documents, his influence is evident throughout the project. The X Foundation, funded by the Musk Foundation, owns the property where Ad Astra is located. Jared Birchall, Musk’s financial advisor, submitted the initial state application. Xplor Education, which operates a preschool near SpaceX’s California campus, has posted job openings for Ad Astra and maintains a “coming soon” page for the school on its website.

Elon Musk’s Ad Astra Montessori School represents his multifaceted approach to education. By combining a focus on STEM with Montessori principles and hands-on learning, Musk aims to foster critical thinking, innovation, and global citizenship in young learners. As the school continues to develop, it will undoubtedly become a focal point for Musk’s grander educational ambitions and his broader vision for shaping the future of learning and technology.