Elon Musk has established a new Montessori preschool called Ad Astra in Bastrop, Texas, located near several of Musk’s business operations. The school, which recently received a state permit to operate, can accommodate up to 21 students aged 3 to 9.
Designed with a STEM-focused curriculum, Ad Astra reflects Musk’s educational philosophy of hands-on learning and skill development. The preschool emphasizes exploration, with children learning tasks like sweeping, drawing, and conflict resolution, while maintaining a Montessori approach that prioritizes self-directed learning and collaborative play.
The school is part of Musk’s broader educational ambitions, with the Musk Foundation allocating nearly $100 million to develop primary and secondary schools, and potentially a future university. Partnering with Xplor Education, which operates another Montessori school in Hawaii, Ad Astra is positioned to become more than just a local childcare center.
Musk’s educational initiatives align closely with his political views and recent support for former President Donald Trump. Both have been vocal critics of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools, advocating for a more skills-oriented approach to education.
Located on 40 acres and housed in a remodeled 4,000-square-foot farmhouse, the preschool is situated in a region increasingly dominated by Musk’s businesses, including the Boring Company and a SpaceX Starlink satellite production facility. While it’s unclear whether Musk’s own children will attend, the school’s job postings suggest a focus on nurturing the children of innovative parents.
