The Nova Classical STEM Academy ribbon cutting and open house is set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 7101 Banway Road in Fort Myers. Families can attend the public event to see the new campus, hear from local leaders, and learn what to expect before the school opens in August 2026.
Nova Classical STEM Academy plans to launch its inaugural school year serving grades K–7. The tuition-free public charter school also plans to expand annually until it serves grades K–12.
For families in Southwest Florida, this event offers an early look at a new education option designed to combine Classical education with STEM-focused, project-based learning. That may be especially useful for parents in Collier and Lee Counties who are comparing school choices before the 2026–27 school year.
Where can families go and what will happen at the event?
The ceremony will take place at Nova Classical STEM Academy, 7101 Banway Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967. The event runs from 1–3 p.m. and is being hosted in partnership with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.
According to the announcement, the event will include brief remarks from community leaders, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and guided campus tours. Parents and community members will also have the chance to learn more about the school’s educational model and opening plans.
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Time: 1–3 p.m.
- Location: 7101 Banway Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967
- Event features: remarks, ribbon cutting, guided tours
Several local and school leaders are expected to attend, including Dr. Yalcin Akin, president of Discovery Science Schools, and Matt Sheets, founding principal of Nova Classical STEM Academy.
- Dr. Yalcin Akin, President, Discovery Science Schools
- Matt Sheets, Founding Principal, Nova Classical STEM Academy
- John Lai, Interim President & CEO, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
- Trish Petrosky, Lee County Commissioner, District 5
- Kevin Anderson, Mayor, City of Fort Myers
This makes the event more than a photo opportunity. It is also a practical chance for parents to see the campus before the school year begins and hear directly from the people leading the school and supporting its launch.
What makes Nova Classical STEM Academy different from other school choices?
Nova Classical STEM Academy says it blends a Classical education foundation with STEM-enriched, project-based learning in a tuition-free public charter school setting. The school has been approved by the Lee County School Board and is scheduled to open in August 2026.
The school describes its model as one that is rooted in classical humanistic values and enriched with modern scientific exploration. For parents, that means the academy is presenting itself as a school that aims to combine core academic traditions with hands-on STEM learning.
The press release also states that Nova Classical STEM Academy is the first school in the world to integrate these elements in this specific tuition-free public charter format. Families interested in new education models may want to ask how that approach will look in day-to-day classroom life once the campus opens.
At opening, the school is expected to serve grades K–7. It plans to add grade levels each year until it reaches K–12.
- Opening: August 2026
- Initial grades: K–7
- Future plan: expand annually to K–12
- School type: tuition-free public charter school
That long-range growth plan could matter to families looking for continuity over time. It may also interest parents who want to learn whether younger children can remain in the same school community as they move into later grades.
The announcement positions the school as a new option for Southwest Florida families and ties the opening to growth in the region’s future workforce and community. For parents in Collier and Lee Counties, that puts this launch on the radar as both a school story and a local development story.
Who is this school for and is it free?
Nova Classical STEM Academy is described as a tuition-free public charter school. That is one of the clearest practical details for families deciding whether to attend the event or follow the school more closely.
Based on the release, the school will open with grades K–7 in August 2026. Parents of children in those grades may find the ribbon cutting especially useful because it offers an early introduction to the campus and leadership team.
The press release does not include application steps, enrollment deadlines, transportation details, or other policy information. It also does not list eligibility requirements beyond the grades the school plans to serve at opening.
That means the event may be a good starting point for families who want a first look, but you may still need to follow up directly for enrollment and operational details. It is smart to write down your top questions before you attend.
- Will your child be in grades K–7 for the August 2026 opening?
- Do you want to see the campus before the school year starts?
- Are you comparing charter, public, or other school options in Fort Myers?
- Would a Classical and STEM-focused approach fit your child’s learning style?
Parents who want more family resources can also visit the Neapolitan Family homepage and the Parenting section for additional local information.
Next step: Bring a few written questions about enrollment, grade expansion, and daily programming so you can make the most of the event.
How can parents prepare and who should they contact for more information?
If you plan to attend, the most helpful preparation is simple. Confirm the event time, keep the school address handy, and leave room in your schedule for a guided tour and brief remarks.
If you cannot attend or need more information, the school’s website and phone number were included in the announcement. Families can learn more at NovaClassical.net or call 239-483-8340.
For parents, the key contact from the release is the school itself. Calling ahead may help if you want to confirm event details, ask about the August 2026 opening, or learn when more enrollment information will be available.
The Nova Classical STEM Academy ribbon cutting gives families a practical way to see a new Fort Myers campus before students arrive. It also gives the community a closer look at a school that plans to grow from K–7 to K–12 over time.