Elon Musk

Tech mogul Elon Musk is venturing into education with the launch of Ad Astra, a preschool designed to revolutionize early learning. Located in Bastrop County, Texas, near Musk’s company facilities, the school aims to blend exploration-based learning with a STEM-focused curriculum. Backed by Musk’s X Foundation, Ad Astra is the first phase of a $100 million plan to expand into K-12 education and establish a university in Texas. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission recently granted the school its state permit, enabling operations to begin for up to 24 children aged three to six. The preschool, whose name translates to “to the stars,” reflects Musk’s ambition to foster curiosity and foundational skills in young learners through innovative methods. The curriculum draws inspiration from Montessori principles and the psychological theories of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs, emphasizing responsibility, respect, and resourcefulness. Activities range from hands-on STEM projects to geography lessons, alongside outdoor amenities like a basketball court and tricycles. According to permit documents, the school’s mission is to cultivate curiosity and life skills from an early age. “We’re creating an environment where exploration and critical thinking are at the forefront,” said an official close to the project. Musk’s X Foundation has allocated nearly $100 million to this initiative, with plans to scale Ad Astra into a statewide K-12 network and eventually a university. If successful, the program could set new standards for how education systems approach early childhood development and STEM readiness. For now, the school operates out of a white farmhouse in Bastrop County, marking the beginning of Musk’s ambitious journey to redefine the future of education. Source: mint Photo Credit: Reuters