A groundbreaking Montessori school program, co-founded by renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk, is set to open a new location in Bastrop, Texas this fall. A job posting and the school's website have confirmed the launch of Ad Astra, a nonprofit institution focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. The school will welcome children between the ages of 3 and 9, with a tentative start date in September for the 2024-25 school year.

Ad Astra's primary aim is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders, according to the school's website. The program is developed collaboratively with Xplor Education, a prominent educational organization specializing in Montessori curriculum.

The school, situated on a former 40-acre horse ranch off FM 969 in Bastrop, will encompass both primary and lower elementary "environments." Ad Astra plans to cap its student capacity just shy of 50 students, with 18 primary students (ages 3-6) and 30 lower elementary students (ages 6-9). Educators are urgently required by July to join the dynamic team, with preferred candidates boasting relevant credentials.

The origins of Ad Astra can be traced back a decade, starting as a schooling resource for Elon Musk's children and the children of some of SpaceX's employees on the company's California campus, as reported by The New York Times in March.

The unique Bastrop site will provide a remarkable backdrop for the innovative learning environment, situated amidst natural surroundings on the former horse ranch. Additionally, Bastrop is already home to The Boring Company, another venture spearheaded by Elon Musk, specializing in infrastructure work and tunnel construction services.

For more information about Ad Astra and the enrollment process, interested individuals can visit the school's website. With its focus on cutting-edge education and hands-on learning experiences, Ad Astra promises to be a leading institution nurturing young minds in Bastrop and beyond.