Nova Classical STEM Academy opens its doors for first day of inaugural school year

WHAT:

Nova Classical STEM Academy will welcome students to campus for the first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 11, marking the start of the school’s inaugural year and the culmination of years of planning to bring a new education option to Southwest Florida families.

Media are invited to capture student drop-off, first-day greetings from faculty and staff, and students entering their classrooms for the first time. School leadership will be available on site for interviews about the academy’s approach, which blends Classical education with STEM-focused, project-based learning in a tuition-free public charter school setting.

Nova Classical STEM Academy opens serving grades K–7, with plans to expand annually to K–12. Its 73,000-square-foot campus features STEM laboratories, robotics and competitive math resources, a large outdoor playground and a soccer field. Enrollment remains open, with no deadline to apply.

WHEN:

Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026
7:30 a.m. – student drop-off begins
8:10 a.m. – first bell, school day officially begins

WHERE:

Nova Classical STEM Academy
7101 Banway Road
Fort Myers, FL 33967

WHO:

Dr. Yalcin Akin, President, Discovery Science Schools
Matt Sheets, Founding Principal, Nova Classical STEM Academy

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 STEM Academy prepares scholars to think clearly, live purposefully and lead with character. Learn more at NovaClassical.net or call 239-483-8340.