Born at SpaceX, Astra Nova is an online school for
kind, curious, and daring kids.
Explore
Next Rocket Launch | ... | --:--:--

Our mission

A generation of kids who contribute good to the world.

Students
Those who are curious, work hard, and love to learn
Faculty
Those who currently work in their field and love to teach
School
Designed anew each year from first principles
FAQ
How Astra Nova Works
Astra Nova Programs

What age level is your child considering?

Accepting applications*

High School

For 12 years, the #1 request from families has been to build a high school. Our High School opened in August 2026, and we are now accepting students for a 3–4 year Graduation Track program pairing rigorous academics with real-world experience.

Application deadline
April 15, 2027
Apply Now →

*Middle School and High School use the same application.

Rigorous technical coursesbiotechnology, physics, engineering, artificial intelligence

Courses in conversation with the wisdom of humanitygreat literature, philosophy, mental models, history

Accepting applications*

Middle School

Open courses, uniquely designed, to explore the frontiers of knowledge and help students build the skills to make any team better.

Application deadline
April 15, 2027
Apply Now →

*Middle School and High School use the same application.

Enrollment options

A class hour is one live, 60-minute class a week. Math counts as 4.

Class hours
8–11hours per week
Annual tuition
$24,750
2027–28 school year, beginning August 25, 2027.

Three terms. Term dates and breaks are on the school calendar.

School calendar →
We are need-blind and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. Financial aid →
  • 8+
  • 12+Graduation Track
Your schedule

    We create new courses for each of our three terms.

    View this term's courses →
    Also available
    Courses This Term
    We want our students to both understand the big picture and have a strong technical foundation. Astra Nova creates new courses 3x a year, and students typically take between 4 and 16 class hours per week.
    Admissions

    Apply in three steps

    We think a single “admissions season” is an outdated idea, and charging money to apply is silly. We accept applications year-round and review them twice a year. Middle School and High School share one application.

    Next Deadline
    April 15, 2027
    For enrollment starting in August 2027
    1

    Conundrum Response

    Your child chooses one Conundrum and answers it. Record a video (preferred) or an audio file, 30 seconds to 2 minutes. We want to hear how your child reasons through the question.

    2

    Parent Letter

    Tell us about your family: what you look for in a school, and what you hope to find at Astra Nova. No more than one page. Think of it as a short email.

    3

    Submit the Application

    Fill in the basic information. Upload the Conundrum response and the parent letter. There is no fee. Typically, about half of applicants move to the next round.

    What happens next

    1. 01DeadlineApril 15, 2027
    2. 02Group InterviewsMay 2, 2027
    3. 03Final DecisionsJune 15, 2027
    4. 04Classes BeginAugust 25, 2027

    We are need-blind and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.

    School at a rocket factory.

    2014
    Ad Astra Founded
    Josh co-founds Ad Astra at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, CA, a school for the children of SpaceX employees and LA‑based families.
    2014 – 2020
    School at SpaceX
    For six years, Ad Astra operates inside SpaceX, developing a curriculum built around curiosity and problem-solving. Conundrums and Synthesis begin here.
    2020
    Astra Nova Founded
    The school becomes Astra Nova, an independent, online, nonprofit school open to students around the world, and Dr. Rose Rohde and Tara Safronoff join Josh as co-founders. At first it serves students ages 10⁠–⁠14.
    2021
    Conundrums Launched
    Astra Nova partners with ClassDojo to share Conundrums, an attempt to engage students around the world in constructive disagreement around big ideas.
    2022
    In-Person Experiences
    Astra Nova organizes annual in-person trips so students can spend time with their classmates and teachers. So far, we've been to Catalina Island, Santa Barbara, Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, and CERN in Geneva.
    2026
    Astra Nova High School
    Astra Nova High School opened in August 2026, for students who want to study science, technology, and big ideas in depth.
    The founders
    Josh Dahn
    Josh Dahn
    Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director
    Dr. Rose Rohde
    Dr. Rose Rohde
    Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director
    Tara Safronoff
    Tara Safronoff
    Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director
    Teach at Astra Nova
    Join Our Faculty
    We are looking for people at the cutting edge of their field who want to work with curious and capable middle and high school students.
    Apply to Teach →
    Get in Touch
    Contact Us
    Questions about admissions, courses, or anything else? We'd love to hear from you.
    josh@astranova.org →
    Conundrums
    Watch Conundrums
    Explore our library of Conundrums — short thought experiments designed to spark independent thinking.
    YouTube Channel →