Raw Story: Elon Musk plans to operate school for kids as young as 3

[Dennis Donovan]

Raw Story - Elon Musk plans to operate school for kids as young as 3

Travis Gettys
December 17, 2024 9:42AM ET

Elon Musk is adding education to his business empire with hundreds of millions of dollars set aside for a technology-focused primary and secondary school — with more plans for a university in Texas.

State documents show authorities issued an initial permit last month for the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Austin, called Ad Astra, that clears the way for the center to operate with up to 21 students. The school's website says it's "open to all children ages 3 to 9," while its X account includes job postings for teachers, reported Bloomberg.

“Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” states the school’s website.

The school is located near the bedroom community of Bastrop, near where Musk has based his tunneling venture The Boring Co. and SpaceX produces Starlink satellites. X is building a facility in the area, which is also home to Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza.

“While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide," reads a job posting for Ad Astra on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas.

/snip

[sop]

1. Maria Montessori is turning over in her grave.

[jimfields33]

2. Most kids go to some sort of schooling at 3. Some are day care centers and some are daycare schools.

Last edited Tue Dec 17, 2024, 11:03 AM - Edit history (1)

I’d imagine learning abc’s at an early age wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

[tanyev]

3. A school for little ones set up by the owner of Neuralink?

What could possibly go wrong?

[Phoenix61]

4. I hope he's hiring Montessori trained teachers

because if he’s not they will sue, he will lose, and he won’t be able to use their name.

[mia]

7. Montessori trained teacher here - the Montessori name is in the public domain. No one will sue.

https://imsmontessori.org/news/montessori-community/montessori-in-the-public-domain/

[Phoenix61]

8. Thank you. Interesting because a local school

changed their name over not having any Montessori trained teachers. Maybe due to community pushback?

[mia]

12. Probably so.

It's hard to find Montessori trained teachers. Perhaps the school had them in the beginning. I started out in a private Montessori School, then moved on to a public 'Montessori' Magnet Program. The school lost their trained teachers gradually. When I retired, it became a Montessori school in name only.

[Lonestarblue]

5. A true Montessori school would be good. I doubt that is what Musk has in mind.

The words “technology focus” have nothing to do with Montessori education principles. I read an article yesterday about employers’ dismay at gen Z hires who cannot write, cannot spell, and can’t essentially do anything without technology. Our schools are graduating kids who do not learn how to write in cursive or print. Young children need to learn to read, write, and do basic math before they are immersed in technology. Most of them get enough technology at home. They don’t need an immersive school program. Technology skills are important, but so are the skills of reasoning and critical thinking, the ability to assess the accuracy of content both print and online, and the ability to communicate effectively with those around one.

As someone who spent a career in education, I saw the beginning of the push in the 1980s to get computers in schools—a push made not by educators but by computer manufacturers like Apple, IBM, Wang, and Tandy. Remember Tandy’s TRS 80, which we not-so-fondly called the Trash 80? In the ensuing decades, the performance of US students has declined in math and reading on international tests. I’m not attributing the total cause to computers, but I believe too much focus on technology and not enough on basic skills, especially in elementary grades, is a significant factor.

[Kid Berwyn]

6. White People in charge.

“Coloured” people do the work.

The two main lessons of Musk Akkkademy.

[The Madcap]

10. The key question here is:

Why?

I don't see Eloon as a philanthropist. There has to be a profit/political motive.

[Rebl2]

11. No, just no

[City Lights]

13. He has his toxic little hands in everything.

I wish I could make him go back to South Africa. He is helping to ruin the US.

[mia]

14. Deep dive into Ad Astra School

Looks interesting. I've always been interested in optimal learning environments.