BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — Elon Musk’s impact in Central Texas continues to grow. The billionaire’s latest venture is a new school in Bastrop.
“It’s continuing to help growth here. Obviously this isn’t the same Bastrop that I grew up in. I used to be able to walk around, and I couldn’t go somewhere without knowing who we were,” native Tracey Merino said.
He was one of several dozen attending the Bastrop High School Class of 2009 reunion at the Back 9 Bar in Bastrop. A big topic at the reunion was how the small town looks very different from when they were in school.
“I actually work for Space X, so all the development he’s done in Bastrop, all the expectations that [Musk] planned on bringing here, I think it’s pretty cool for the town,” another native, Josiah Monroe, said.
The latest project is Ada Astra, a former horse ranch being turned in a Montessori school. The school itself will only be open to about 50 students. It’s focused on STEM learning, or science, technology, engineering and math.
The new school sits off Highway 969 and is right around the corner from the Hyperloop Plaza, home to Musk’s Boring Company and SpaceX.
Ad Astra first began a decade ago in California. It was there at the SpaceX campus where Musk used it for his kids and some of his employee’s children.
While some might not like the idea of another Musk-backed addition to the town, Monroe said it’s good to embrace it.
“Bastrop is always going to have that small town feel. But the new things will have some change, but change is good,” Monroe added.
There is excitement for the future, as the city serves up to the next generation.
“Let’s continue to grow this small town in a way that we want,” Merino said.
More details about the school are available online.