FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- Nova Classical STEM Academy will celebrate a major milestone with an official ribbon cutting ceremony in partnership with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.

The event will take place at the school's campus, 7101 Banway Road in Fort Myers, and feature a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by guided tours of the campus.

Community members, local leaders and families are invited to attend and experience firsthand Nova Classical's innovative approach to education, which blends a Classical curriculum with STEM-focused, project-based learning in a tuition-free public charter school setting.

John Lai, interim president and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, will be in attendance, along with Nova Classical's founding principal, Matt Sheets, and newly hired teachers who will help lead the school as its inaugural academic year begins in August.

"This ribbon cutting represents more than the opening of a new school – it's the beginning of a new educational opportunity for families in our community," said Sheets. "We're proud to introduce a model that challenges students to think deeply, explore boldly and develop both character and curiosity."

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The celebration follows a series of successful community engagement events leading up to the school's opening. Nova Classical's most recent Open House, Field Day and BBQ, held March 22, drew approximately 300 attendees. The event brought together enrolled families and prospective students, creating a welcoming environment for families exploring school choice options in Southwest Florida.

"It was incredible to see so many families come together," Sheets added. "Events like this are helping us build a strong, connected school community even before our doors officially open."

Nova Classical STEM Academy is scheduled to open in August 2026 for grades K–7, with plans to expand annually to serve K–12. The 73,000-square-foot campus will feature STEM laboratories, robotics resources, competitive academic programs and outdoor recreational spaces designed to support hands-on learning and student engagement.

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

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About Nova Classical STEM Academy

Nova Classical STEM Academy is the first school in the world to integrate a Classical education foundation with STEM-enriched, project-based learning in a tuition-free public charter school setting. Approved by the Lee County School Board, Nova Classical STEM Academy will open in August 2026 with grades K–7 and expand annually to serve grades K–12. Rooted in classical humanistic values and enriched with modern scientific exploration, Nova Classical prepares scholars to think clearly, live purposefully and lead with character. Learn more at NovaClassical.net (http://www.novaclassical.net/) or call 239-483-8340.