If you are looking for the most exclusive and innovative education on the planet, you have likely heard of the Elon Musk school for kids, Ad Astra.
Originally known as Ad Astra, this experimental laboratory school has evolved into a global phenomenon now primarily operating as Astra Nova School.
Whether you are interested in the SpaceX school Ad Astra origins or want to know how to apply to Ad Astra school today, this guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple, actionable steps.
Ad Astra vs. Astra Nova: What’s the Difference?
One of the most common questions parents ask is: is Ad Astra school still open? The answer is yes, but it has changed.
- Ad Astra: Founded in 2014 by Elon Musk and Josh Dahn, this school was originally located on the SpaceX campus in Hawthorne, California. It was designed specifically for Musk’s children and the children of SpaceX employees.
- Astra Nova School: In 2020, as the original students grew older, the school transitioned into Astra Nova, an independent non-profit online school. It carries forward the same educational philosophy of Ad Astra but is now open to students worldwide.
- The Texas Schools: Recently, new physical Ad Astra school locations have emerged in Bastrop and Brownsville, Texas, near SpaceX and Tesla facilities, serving younger age groups (Preschool to Elementary).
Ad Astra & Astra Nova School Curriculum
The Ad Astra school curriculum is famous for ditching traditional subjects like music and foreign languages to focus on first principles thinking, complex problem solving, and ethics.
The “Conundrums”
A core part of the Astra Nova application process and daily learning is the Conundrum. These are open-ended, ethical scenarios where there is no “right” answer.
Students must debate and defend their decisions on topics ranging from AI ethics to environmental policy.
Innovation in Education
Elon Musk’s vision for innovation in education revolves around “teaching to the problem, not the tools.” Instead of a class on how a wrench works, students are asked to take apart an engine; they learn about the tools naturally through the process of solving the problem.
How to Apply: Astra Nova Application Process
The Astra Nova School admissions process is famously “need-blind” and focuses on a child’s disposition rather than standardized test scores.
Step 1: The Conundrum Response
The most important part of the application is a video response. Students watch a Conundrum video and record themselves (30 seconds to 2 minutes) explaining their reasoning. They aren’t looking for a “correct” answer—they want to see how your child thinks.
Step 2: The Parent Letter
Parents are asked to write a simple, one-page letter (similar to an email) explaining what they hope their child will find at the school. Ad Astra school requirements emphasize kindness, curiosity, and a “daring” spirit.
Step 3: Basic Information
Fill out the official application form. Admissions typically happen twice a year, with deadlines in April and October.
Astra Nova School Tuition and Requirements
- Ages: Astra Nova typically serves students aged 10 to 14 (roughly 5th to 8th grade). The newer Texas Ad Astra schools serve ages 3 to 9.
- Location: Astra Nova is entirely online, making it accessible to students on every continent.
- Tuition: For the 2025/2026 cycle, Astra Nova School tuition is roughly $2,200 per class hour per school year. However, they meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all families, making it accessible regardless of income.
- Language: Students must have a strong grasp of the English language.
Why Choose SpaceX Education Programs?
The goal of these SpaceX education programs is not just to produce good students, but to produce “super-collaborators” and “visionaries.”
By focusing on STEM, entrepreneurship, and decision-making, the school prepares children for a future shaped by rapid technological change and space exploration.
Useful Links for Parents:
- Astra Nova Official Website
- Synthesis (The Game-Based Learning Spinoff)
- Astra Nova YouTube Channel (Conundrums)
Final Thoughts
Getting into the Elon Musk school is competitive—only about 10-15% of applicants move forward—but the process itself is designed to be an educational experience.
Even if your child isn’t admitted, engaging with their Conundrums is a great way to foster critical thinking at home.
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