A new chapter has begun for education in Bastrop County, Texas, as Elon Musk’s Ad Astra private school officially launches at its new 40-acre site. The campus, structured with a STEM-driven approach, aims to serve children aged six to nine, and sets the stage for eventual expansion into higher grade levels. While Ad Astra sits near facilities run by The Boring Company and Hyperloop Plaza, it operates under a distinct academic vision centered on interdisciplinary, hands-on learning. This opening comes as families and employees linked to Musk’s ventures seek additional education solutions in the region, reflecting the broader shift of high-tech activity into rural areas near Austin.
Earlier reports indicated that Ad Astra, originally founded in Los Angeles for Musk’s children and select SpaceX families, operated in smaller, less formal settings and briefly shifted to digital learning during 2020. The Texas move brings a more structured environment, comprehensive licensing by Texas Health and Human Services, and local infrastructure challenges, such as wastewater system constraints that now set the pace for possible expansion. With growing demand paralleling the influx of Musk-associated workers and families, the school’s practical and STEM-oriented mission appears increasingly relevant in the region’s evolving educational landscape.
Who Oversees and Leads Ad Astra School?
Oversight of the new Texas Ad Astra falls to Jared Birchall, recognized as Elon Musk’s longstanding wealth manager, who will serve as CEO. Greg Marick, CEO of Xplor Education, contributes leadership experience from educational technology and previous school launches, guiding day-to-day operations. This management structure brings together expertise in finance, technology, and education, emphasizing operational stability and mission continuity.
What Defines the School’s Approach and Curriculum?
Ad Astra draws from Montessori philosophies, incorporating uninterrupted work sessions and mixed-age classrooms, but is not formally a Montessori school. The curriculum is tailored toward experiential learning, encouraging math, science, and independence, with future themes focusing prominently on artificial intelligence and robotics.
“It’s a very hands-on learning style with a STEM spin to it,”
according to Dori Kelley of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation, reflecting the school’s forward-thinking focus.
How Does Ad Astra Aim to Serve the Community?
Currently, Ad Astra limits enrollment to 21 students, but long-term plans include broadening grade offerings as local infrastructure allows. The school’s proximity to Musk’s companies positions it as a resource for families associated with The Boring Company and Hyperloop Plaza.
“On some days it’s approximately 2,000 people who come to Hyperloop Plaza, and Ad Astra is receiving some of the needs when it comes to childcare,”
Kelley explained, suggesting the potential for wider community engagement as the region grows.
Ad Astra’s tuition is presently subsidized, though there are indications that future costs may rise to match those of comparable private schools, which can reach $20,000 annually. The leadership’s plan to incorporate AI and robotics distinguishes Ad Astra from many traditional and even progressive private schools. Observers and local officials express hopes that, as Bastrop develops, Ad Astra’s educational model could become accessible to a wider range of families, not just those tied to Musk’s business ecosystem.
Ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly the wastewater line extension, will play a significant role in determining how quickly Ad Astra can scale student numbers and programs. For families exploring STEM and experiential learning options, the school provides an alternative in a county with a need for more educational diversity. As Ad Astra matures, key determinants will include its success balancing exclusivity and community integration, how its hands-on curriculum serves student outcomes, and the impact of Musk’s continued investment in the region. For local decision makers, following Ad Astra’s progress could inform how alternative schools may serve emerging high-tech communities nationwide.
- Elon Musk’s Ad Astra private school opens in Bastrop County, Texas.
- School focuses on hands-on STEM education for children aged six to nine.
- Expansion and broader enrollment rely on upcoming infrastructure improvements.
