FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- Nova Classical STEM Academy marked a major milestone Saturday, April 18 with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, welcoming community leaders, families and supporters to its new campus ahead of its August opening.

The event, held at the school's campus on Banway Road, featured remarks from local officials and education leaders, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting and guided tours of the facility.

John Lai, interim president and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, joined Founding Principal Matt Sheets, Lee County Commissioner Trish Petrosky, Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson and Dr. Yalcin Akin, president of Discovery Science Schools, in celebrating the school's launch.

Speakers emphasized the school's role as both an educational innovation and an economic investment in the region, highlighting the importance of strong schools in supporting workforce development and community growth.

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"This is more than the opening of a new school. It's an investment in the future of our community," said Sheets. "We're proud to bring a model to Southwest Florida that blends time-tested Classical education with hands-on STEM learning to prepare students for success in an ever-changing world."

The event also highlighted early support from families who will be part of the school's inaugural class.

"What attracted us here is what they say — but what has kept us here is what they do," said Taylor Watson, a parent of an incoming seventh-grade student. "A lot of places say the right things, but here, you can actually feel it: the community, the support and the commitment to families. That's what made this the right choice for us."

Nova Classical STEM Academy is the first school in the world to integrate a Classical education foundation with STEM-focused, project-based learning in a tuition-free public charter school setting. The school will open in August 2026 serving grades K–7, with plans to expand annually through grade 12.

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The ribbon cutting follows strong community interest leading up to the school's opening. Nova Classical's recent Open House, Field Day and BBQ event drew approximately 300 attendees, helping to build early momentum and engagement among enrolled and prospective families.

Guests at the ceremony also had the opportunity to tour the 73,000-square-foot campus, which will feature STEM laboratories, robotics resources, competitive academic programs and outdoor spaces designed to support hands-on learning and student collaboration.

Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year remains open. Families can learn more or apply by visiting NovaClassical.net (http://www.novaclassical.net/).