Page 42 - November2026LifeInNaples

MORE Than A

High School

n just three years, The Freedom Institute has grown from a
bold Naples idea into an award-winning educational model
Iserving more than 200 students across Southwest Florida.
Founded in 2023, Freedom was built around a simple but
ambitious vision: Economic Freedom Through Learning. career readiness, leadership, critical thinking, constitutional
The idea began with a question many parents were asking: knowledge, and responsible citizenship. Values including hard
What if high school could be built around the student instead work, respect, kindness, and patriotism are woven throughout
of asking the student to fit into a one-size-fits-all system? the Freedom experience.
Today, Freedom is entering its fourth year with two physical Innovation is also central to the model. Freedom students
campuses, Freedom Naples and the newly opened Freedom have completed 350+ AI certificates, gaining practical exposure
Ave Maria, as well as online opportunities through Freedom to emerging technologies while developing the critical thinking
Anywhere. Since its founding, Freedom has graduated 56 and human skills necessary to use them responsibly. This work
Eagles and maintained 100% post-graduation placement into recently helped Freedom earn its 2026 Global Recognition
college, careers, entrepreneurship, trades, military-aligned Award for AI-driven education and workforce readiness.
opportunities, and other workforce pathways. Perhaps the biggest difference, however, is how Freedom
Along the way, others have taken notice. Freedom measures success. The goal is not simply graduation. It is
was named a 2024 Yass Prize Semifinalist, one of only 25 helping students leave high school with direction, experience,
nationwide, and has since earned SWFL Inc.’s 2026 Innovation credentials, confidence, and a plan for what comes next. That
Award, a 2026 Global Recognition Award, and recognition as a is what Freedom means by Economic Freedom Through
2026 Everglades Champion School. Learning: preparing young people to build independent,
But awards and growth tell only part of the story. purposeful futures.
Freedom describes itself as “More Than a High School” That philosophy is now reaching even more families. In
because it operates differently than both traditional schools August, Freedom officially opened its second campus in
and most homeschool programs. Built around Florida’s Ave Maria, a 10,000-square-foot learning space welcoming
school choice environment, Freedom empowers parents while approximately 50 students in its inaugural year.
providing the instruction, guidance, accountability, community, Community is also essential to the Freedom experience.
and real-world opportunities families want. Local businesses, colleges, nonprofits, civic leaders, mentors,
At the center of the model is a highly personalized approach. and employers become part of students’ education through
Every student works with a dedicated Success Coach who helps internships, field trips, mentorships, speakers, service projects,
the student and family build an individualized high school and workplace experiences.
pathway around strengths, interests, goals, and future plans. Freedom’s growth suggests families are looking for
For one Eagle, that might mean earning significant something different: an education that is personal and flexible,
college credit through dual enrollment. For another, it yet purposeful and accountable; innovative and future-focused,
could mean pursuing an internship, paid employment, an yet grounded in character, citizenship, and timeless values.
industry credential, entrepreneurship, competitive athletics, or Three years ago, Freedom began with a question about what
preparation for a skilled trade. Often, it is a combination. high school could be. Today, more than 200 Eagles are helping
Freedom’s C5 Framework integrates Core Academics, provide the answer.
Character, Career, Consumerism, and Civics. Students learn
traditional subjects while also developing financial literacy, www.FreedomInstitute.net, 239-427-1776

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