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

FORT MYERS, Fla. - EntSun -- 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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 (http://www.novaclassical.net/).