A New Kind of High School Arrives in Ave Maria
A new high school is set to bring a fresh, personalized approach to education in Ave Maria. The Freedom Institute has announced it will open a second campus in Fall 2026, expanding its innovative model into a community known for its strong family values and close-knit culture.
The new 10,000-square-foot campus will be located in the First Foundation Bank building on Pope John Paul II Blvd. Initially serving 40 to 60 students, the school expects to grow to 120 students within three years while creating new jobs and driving additional activity to the Town Center.
Building on the success of its Naples campus, Freedom Ave Maria emphasizes meaningful relationships between students and “Success Coaches,” along with individualized academic pathways tailored to each student’s strengths, interests and goals. This personalized approach is paired with an AI-enhanced curriculum, a blend of high school and college coursework and hands-on experiences such as internships, apprenticeships and career exploration opportunities.
“Educational excellence is essential to building strong, thriving communities,” said Freedom Institute CEO Christopher Marker. “Together, we’re creating something that will serve Ave Maria for generations to come.”
The expansion is supported by key partnerships with Barron Collier Companies and Ave Maria Development, along with a $1 million matching grant from The Dekko Foundation.
Designed as a modern, integrated learning environment, the institution reinforces the idea that education extends beyond the classroom. Students will have access to local businesses and organizations, creating a “living laboratory” where they can apply what they learn in real-world settings.
“Our high schools are personalized to build upon the strengths of each student in partnership with their families. We combine the best of traditional high school with the best of homeschool freedom as allowed by Florida law,” Marker said.
In addition to academics, Freedom Institute places a strong emphasis on character development, civic engagement and financial literacy. Through initiatives like its American Dream Conversations series, students gain insights from leaders in business and public life, helping prepare them for active, informed citizenship.
With affordable tuition supported by scholarships and community backing, the school aims to provide an accessible, high-quality alternative to traditional high school education. As Ave Maria continues to grow, the addition of Freedom Ave Maria offers families another dynamic option: one focused on purpose, opportunity and long-term success.