A Montessori-method school linked to billionaire MAGA surrogate Elon Musk is reportedly opening soon in Bastrop, Texas.
Ad Astra is now accepting applications for “the next generation of problem solvers and builders” currently ages 3-9, according to the school’s website. It plans to begin operating in the 2024-2025 school year, but when exactly classes will start is unclear.
Musk’s money manager, Jared Birchall, is listed as the Ad Astra’s chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, who’s been associated with two Musk companies including SpaceX, is also involved, according to Bloomberg.
“Ad Astra’s approach to education is centered around hands-on, project-based learning, where children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and discover solutions to real-world problems,” the school’s homepage says. “Ad Astra offers a progressive learning environment that emphasizes the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) into its curriculum.”
The school, located roughly 30 miles outside Austin, is authorized to take 21 students, according to Bloomberg.
Musk has expressed an interest in doing more business in Texas, choosing the state as his personal residence due to tax benefits. In 2021, he announced his plan to move Tesla’s headquarters from San Francisco to Austin. He also said in July he hoped to relocate SpaceX and his social media platform X to the Lone Star State to protest California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s political stance on gender issues.
Musk, who’s fathered at least 12 children including his estranged transgender daughter Vivian Wilson, has criticized liberal educators for that strained relationship, saying his “son, Xavier, is dead, killed by the woke mind virus.”
Musk Foundation tax records reportedly show $237 million have been earmarked for Musk educational endeavors in the past few years. Bloomberg said those aspirations include a university.
