New School Coming to Fort Worth

By A. Govea

Innovations Leadership Academy is coming to Fort Worth for the 2026–2027 school year. I will be honest — I have never been enthusiastic about charter schools or private schools. Not because I believed they were inherently bad, but because I worried, they would drain resources from public education. However, once Texas passed the Texas Freedom Accounts funding bill, it became clear that expansion was inevitable.

This led to a recent conversation I had with one of the founders at Innovations Leadership Academy about their plans for the new Fort Worth campus. I shared my concerns openly, including the uncertainty surrounding the state takeover of FWISD and how it may affect teachers and students.

One local educator expressed a fear that with increased oversight, teachers may lose the freedom to be creative, which could limit students’ ability to develop critical-thinking skills. The concern is that instruction could become rigid, with only one approved way to teach the curriculum.

The founder’s response was lengthy and passionate. Here is a summary of what they shared:

·       The school’s leadership and instructional staff — starting with the principal — will reflect the diversity of the student population.

·       Bilingual staff will be available to support both students and parents.

·       The curriculum will emphasize critical thinking, literacy, and math, with class sizes capped at 14 students and never exceeding 15.

·       Students will be encouraged to apply what they learn to real-world problem-solving.

·       In addition to required subjects, students will receive leadership training and entrepreneurship education to build confidence and character.

·       The school will offer specialized learning options for students with unique learning styles.

·       Additional opportunities will be available in STEM and other high-demand fields.

The target area for the new campus is North Fort Worth, pending the availability of a location that meets size, functionality, and safety requirements.

The school will open with grades Kindergarten–5^th grade campus and 6^th-8^th grade campus, including specialized programs for students with disabilities or unique learning needs to come as part of future expansion plans.

For more information — or to sign up for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts — visit: www.innovationsschools.org