Nova Classical STEM Academy taps athletic director to build sports program from the ground up

As it prepares to open its doors in August 2026, Nova Classical STEM Academy has named Tyler Turner as its physical education teacher and athletic director, bringing on an experienced educator and youth athletics leader to develop the school’s inaugural sports programs.

Turner joins Nova Classical from Naples Classical Academy, where he serves as a P.E. teacher and assistant athletic director. In his new dual role, he will lead the development of Nova’s athletics program while teaching physical education, supporting a well-rounded student experience aligned with the school’s Classical and STEM-based curriculum.

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to be an athletic director,” Turner said. “Nova Classical STEM Academy is building something truly unique, and I’m excited to help create an athletics program that grows alongside the students.”

Turner earned a bachelor’s degree in sport and leisure management from East Tennessee State University and brings a background in athletics, education and youth programming. A former varsity athlete in basketball and tennis, he began his career in Southwest Florida through a sports internship that led to years of experience running youth leagues and coaching middle school athletics. He later served as a teacher at Lake Trafford Elementary School before transitioning to Naples Classical Academy.

At Nova Classical, Turner will launch athletic offerings beginning with the 2026-27 school year, with initial sports expected to include soccer, basketball, volleyball and track and field. Participation will be available to students in grades five through seven. Turner also plans to eventually introduce development leagues for younger students to build foundational skills and interest in athletics.

“As a new school, we’re building from the ground up, which is a great opportunity,” Turner said. “As long as we have student interest, we’ll work to create those opportunities. My goal is to give every child a chance to find a sport they love and develop confidence along the way.”

Turner said he is especially drawn to Nova Classical’s innovative model, which blends Classical education with hands-on STEM learning.

A key value Turner emphasizes in athletics is perseverance — a principle aligned with Classical education’s focus on character development.

“If you don’t have perseverance, it’s easy to give up when things get tough,” Turner said. “In sports and in life, that mindset is everything. That’s something I want every student to take with them.”

In addition to school athletics, Turner plans to host summer youth sports camps on campus beginning in June, which are expected to be open to both Nova Classical students and the broader community.
Turner joins Nova Classical’s growing founding team under Principal Matt Sheets, who was recently named to lead the school.

As Nova Classical STEM Academy prepares for its inaugural school year, the school is also hiring additional educators across a range of subjects, including elementary education, math, science, English language arts, Latin and STEM-focused disciplines such as engineering and computer science. Recent additions to the staff include elementary teachers Maireny Ortega, Rachel Gilbert and Wendy Pruitt, middle school teacher Sarah Pack, as well as art teacher Megan Searson and mental health counselor Kimberly Downing.

The school’s faculty will support its mission to deliver a rigorous, well-rounded education that blends time-tested Classical instruction with innovative, hands-on STEM learning.

Set to open in August 2026, Nova Classical STEM Academy will initially serve students in kindergarten through seventh grade, with plans to expand to a full K-12 program. The school will offer gifted and accelerated learning opportunities, small class sizes and a strong emphasis on critical thinking, character development and academic excellence. The school is managed by Discovery Science Schools, based in Orlando, with more than 17 years of proven excellence leading high-performing, STEM-focused charter schools across Florida.

For more information or to apply for enrollment or employment opportunities, visit NovaClassical.net.

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. The school is managed by Discovery Science Schools, an Orlando-based network whose directors have more than 17 years of proven excellence leading high-performing, STEM-focused charter schools across Florida. 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 or call 239-483-8340.