Nova Classical STEM Academy has appointed Matt Sheets, an accomplished educator and servant leader with 17 years of experience, as its founding principal ahead of the school’s inaugural 2026-2027 academic year.

Sheets joins Nova Classical STEM Academy following a distinguished career in public education, where he served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Cabot Public School District in Arkansas. Over the course of his career, he has led schools recognized as National Showcase Schools for character education and National Diamond Schools to Watch, while also guiding STEM and robotics programs to top state and world rankings.

A graduate with a degree in business administration at Arkansas State University, Sheets began his professional career in banking and finance before transitioning into education through a nontraditional licensure pathway. After serving as an instructional paraprofessional, he spent seven years in the classroom as a math teacher before going back to Arkansas State for a master’s degree in educational leadership — driven by a desire to expand his impact from a single classroom to an entire campus.

“I realized I could have an impact on 100% of the students in my building,” Sheets said. “That was the driving force behind stepping into leadership.”

Sheets brings seven years of experience as a head principal, most recently as Cabot Junior High North, leading schools through both traditional academic years and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is known for cultivating cultures rooted in character, virtue and integrity, emphasizing that academic excellence must be paired with strong moral foundations.

At Nova Classical STEM Academy, Sheets will help launch what school leaders describe as the first institution of its kind to intentionally blend the timeless principles of classical education with a forward-thinking STEM focus.

“What an opportunity to be the architect of something new and exciting for the Fort Myers community,” Sheets said. “We’re creating an educational experience that develops not just strong learners, but good humans who know how to operate in a modern world with integrity and virtue.”

Throughout his career, Sheets has embraced a servant leadership philosophy, modeling character and service for both students and staff. He believes leadership is demonstrated through action — from empowering teacher leaders to modeling high standards in everyday interactions.

“You can’t just say you want things done a certain way,” Sheets said. “It’s through service that you model character and excellence.”

As founding principal, Sheets will play a key role in hiring and building Nova’s inaugural team of educators. He said the school is seeking teachers who are deeply committed to student success and are passionate about delivering engaging instruction.

“A kid doesn’t care what you know until they know that you care,” Sheets said. “We’re looking for educators who care deeply about students and who get excited about the content they teach.”

Sheets and his wife, Tracey, are relocating to Southwest Florida from Arkansas. The couple has raised two children who are now thriving in their university programs — a success Sheets attributes to the same values of integrity, hard work and character he champions in his schools.

As Nova Classical STEM Academy prepares to open its doors for the 2026-27 school year, Sheets said his goal is clear.

“We want to create the world’s greatest school experience from day one,” he said. “Families who choose Nova Classical STEM Academy deserve the very best, and we intend to deliver.”

Nova Classical STEM Academy will initially serve students in kindergarten through seventh grade, with plans to expand to a full K-12 model in the coming years.

Candidates interested in joining Nova Classical STEM Academy’s founding faculty can view current openings and apply online at NovaClassical.net/JobOpenings, or email NovaCareers@dsssp.org for additional information.

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.