Freedom Institute to Open New High School Campus in Ave Maria, Announces Aug. 20 Ribbon-Cutting

AVE MARIA, Fla., Aug. 4, 2026. Driven by strong student outcomes and a growing demand for a different kind of high school experience, the Freedom Institute will open a new high school campus in Ave Maria this fall at 5078 Pope John Paul II Boulevard. Supported by strategic partnerships with Barron Collier Companies and Ave Maria Development, the expansion brings Freedom Institute’s proven, values-driven education model to one of Southwest Florida’s most vibrant and fast-growing communities.

The new campus will welcome its inaugural class of 50 students, who will be supported by three dedicated Success Coaches providing personalized academic guidance, mentoring, and college and career planning. This individualized approach is a hallmark of the Freedom Institute’s educational model, ensuring every student receives the support needed to thrive academically and personally.

To celebrate this exciting milestone, the Freedom Institute will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 2 p.m. at the new campus, 5078 Pope John Paul II Blvd., Ave Maria. Community members, local leaders, business partners, and prospective families are invited to attend and tour the new high school campus.

This announcement builds on Freedom Institute’s January declaration of its intent to expand into Ave Maria, supported by a $1 million matching grant from The Dekko Foundation. Since that time, momentum has continued to build, with strong community interest and aligned partnerships helping transform that vision into reality.

“We are incredibly grateful for the partnership of Barron Collier Companies and Ave Maria Development, and we feel truly blessed to become part of the Ave Maria community. Ave Maria is a remarkable place, rooted in strong values, family life, and a shared vision for the future, and it’s an honor to bring our high school program into such an extraordinary community.”

Christopher Marker, CEO, The Freedom Institute

The Ave Maria campus will be led by Principal Jill Striz, who brings more than a decade of educational leadership and instructional experience to Freedom Ave Maria. Since beginning her career with Collier County Public Schools in 2015, she has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal, earning a reputation for improving student outcomes and fostering a culture of academic excellence. A longtime Ave Maria resident, Striz has called the community home for more than 10 years and was recognized as a Teacher of Distinction and Golden Apple recipient in 2019. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ave Maria University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida.

“Welcoming our very first class to Freedom Ave Maria is something truly special. Building strong relationships with our families and students is at the heart of everything we do, and I am so excited to walk alongside them as they grow, achieve their goals, and define what success looks like for their future.”

Jill Striz, Principal, Freedom Ave Maria

A Distinctive High School Experience in a Beautiful Setting

Freedom Ave Maria will be a 10,000-plus-square-foot high school learning environment offering students a unique and inspiring daily experience. Students will arrive each morning into a thoughtfully designed academic space overlooking the center town circle, surrounded by the beauty and energy of the Ave Maria community.

The campus will reflect Freedom Institute’s commitment to a classically informed, future-focused education, pairing rigorous academics with concierge-style support for each student’s next steps.

“As students arrive on campus each day and look out across this beautiful learning community, they’ll be reminded that they are part of something meaningful,” Marker said. “This space was designed to inspire excellence, purpose, and vision.”

Preparing Students for College, Career, and Life

As a high school program, Freedom Ave Maria will offer the same award-winning model that has driven success at Freedom Naples, including:

• Personalized academic pathways
• Concierge-level college and career guidance
• Internships, apprenticeships, and career exploration
• Civic leadership and character development
• Early access to dual enrollment, including opportunities for free college credits as early as freshman year

The program is designed to prepare students not only for college and career, but for life, equipping them with the skills, habits, and character needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The Freedom Institute looks forward to connecting with families, members of the Ave Maria community, and the local business community to develop partnerships that provide students with real-world learning opportunities through internships and mentorships.

Community Support Fueling Momentum

The previously announced $1 million The Dekko Foundation matching grant remains a central component of the expansion effort. All community contributions are matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of every gift and accelerating the development of both Freedom Ave Maria and Freedom Naples.

“Educational excellence is essential to building strong, thriving communities. Together, we’re creating something that will serve Ave Maria for generations to come.”

Christopher Marker, CEO, The Freedom Institute

For more information about the Ave Maria expansion, the ribbon-cutting ceremony, or how to participate in the matching fund, visit givebutter.com/freedominstitute or freedominstitute.net/ways-to-give. You can also contact Eva Aspegren at (239) 913-9599.