Parents, teachers, and neighbors have been left wondering when the Optima Classical Academy, located along Gladiolus Drive, will finally open its doors.
An email from the principal last year stated that the school's opening was delayed until Fall 2025. However, as Fall 2025 has arrived, the school remains closed.
The school has been sitting empty for at least two years. Many parents have been voicing their concerns on the school's Facebook page, asking when it will finally open.
A comment posted in August by Optima Classical Academy Gladiolus indicated that they expect to open in August 2026.
According to the Lee County School District, an item on the agenda for an upcoming school board meeting includes a request for a name change and an amendment to the charter school contract.
The school plans to open as Nova Classical STEM Academy in August 2026, with Discovery Science Schools LLC as the new management organization. A STEM enrichment component will also be added to the educational programming.
WINK News contacted various parties, including the district, the school, and the new management organization. So far, only the district has responded, stating they are not involved in operational decisions.
The school board is expected to talk and vote on these changes in a meeting on Tuesday at 6 p.m.