Problem
Schools teach facts
One of Elon's reasons for starting Ad Astra school was that in the legacy system, kids do not learn to solve problems. Solving problems is the world's most valuable skill. If we want a world with clean energy, flying cars, and more innovation, we need to start training kids to solve problems, not just memorize facts.
Solution
We teach problem solving
Synthesis is a network where kids learn to solve problems by playing complex team games.
They have to learn to think like scientists to figure out how the game works, then collaborate on strategy and execution to win.
It's fun, but it's not empty fun. Our expert facilitators are always helping the kids look for "course corrections" and learn to identify the flaws in their thinking and communication so they can improve.
Product
Gamified learning
Synthesis is an enrichment program for kids to become innovative thinkers and problem solvers. We offer a growing suite of games and simulations, including Constellation, Art for All, Fire Ridge, Proxima, and Fish. Each is designed with the following axioms in mind:
- Embrace the chaos.
- Test your assumptions.
- Seek good explanations.
- Expect course corrections.
- Contribute to the good.
Our games take place in cohorts because life happens in community. In the traditional school model, collaboration is ancillary to student success. Classmates are not essential to the experience and grades are based on individual participation; but collaboration is a crucial component of learning. In cooperative settings, students encounter the impact of their decisions and discover how to leverage teamwork to accomplish goals.
Each game is guided by a team of facilitators who are not there to lecture or grade, but to help kids make sense of their experiences. Our games are not about chasing the right answers but about helping create mental models to solve problems.
Traction
Rapid growth
- $0 to $3.85M annualized MRR in first year
- 6.5x growth in enrolled students in 2021 (as of August)
- 2,400 students enrolled as of Sep 2021
Customers
Committed families
Our customers are families who believe the legacy education system is flawed (or at least incomplete). They want their kids to be challenged and to develop confidence in their ability to solve any problem.
Business model
Subscription
Families subscribe to access the Synthesis network of games, expert facilitators, and the world's best peers.
Market
Future innovators
With 127M+ kids impacted by school closures due to COVID-19, parents are being prompted to rethink how their kids learn. While many companies are taking advantage of mass closures, many EdTech companies have not adapted how they teach. They've simply stuffed the brick-and-mortar experience into a laptop. Synthesis is poised to disrupt the market and serve families who are seeking more for their children’s education.
Competition
Steep
We are competing for kids' time and attention with the world's most well-funded, efficient, and rapacious corporations.
Vision and strategy
Future innovators
We are building a network to grow the world’s most ethical and effective problem solvers. If we are successful, these kids will bend the arc of human civilization.
That's it! Let's build the future.
Funding
Notable supporters
- Anthony "Pomp" Pompliano
- Alexis Ohanian — founder of Reddit
- Balaji Srinivasan
- Austen Allred — founder of Lambda School
- Sam Teller — Valor Equity Partners, formerly Elon's Chief of Staff
- David Perell — founder of Write of Passage
Founders
Founders
Josh Dahn
Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder
Built Ad Astra School with Elon Musk
Chrisman Frank
CEO & Co-Founder
Engineer #1 and Director of Content at ClassDojo, the leading messaging app for elementary education with 51M users
Ana Fabrega a.k.a. Ms. Fab
Chief Evangelist
Built education-focused Twitter audience to 25K followers
in one year