SpaceX is expanding its educational initiatives with plans to build a new school in South Texas. According to a recent filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the company has submitted a permit to construct a private school in Brownsville, Texas, near the company’s Boca Chica launch site.
The new Montessori-style facility will provide education for students from infancy through grade 12, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a hands-on, project-based learning environment.
The proposed school, located at 48804 TX-4, will be a 34,365 sq.ft. facility with an estimated construction cost of $20 million, according to the permit. The first phase of the project is set to begin in April 2025, with an expected completion date of January 2026. (via Valley Central)
The Ad Astra concept was originally developed by Elon Musk and educator Josh Dahn. The first iteration of the school was established at SpaceX’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California, as an experimental learning environment for children of SpaceX employees. The program later evolved into Astra Nova, an independent online school designed to provide unconventional, discussion-based learning opportunities for students worldwide.
A previous Ad Astra location operated in Brownsville from 2021 to 2023, before ceasing operations. Meanwhile, SpaceX has also supported an Ad Astra school in Bastrop, Texas, which currently serves children aged 3 to 9.
Ad Astra has been known for its progressive approach to education, emphasizing real-world problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on experimentation. The curriculum is centered around STEM fields, encouraging students to explore complex topics through interactive learning. According to its website, the school aims to create a dynamic learning experience where students engage in problem-solving activities that challenge traditional educational norms.
Past reports have described Ad Astra as an elite and highly selective school. However, co-founder Josh Dahn has clarified that while the school’s small size made it appear exclusive, its admissions criteria were based primarily on a student’s eagerness to learn and curiosity about the world.
