Fort Worth STEAM Academy: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Mission: Fort Worth STEAM Academy aims to prepare all middle school students for success in high school, college, and career through a STEAM-focused education, fostering a joyful culture of high expectations, and establishing robust community partnerships.

Vision: The academy envisions providing an exceptional education that enables students to pursue careers in STEAM fields and become productive members of their communities in Fort Worth and beyond.

Core Values:

• Achievement: Consistently delivering top-notch results sustainably.

• Team: Collaborating to attain ambitious goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Building on successes and learning from setbacks.

• Students First: Prioritizing students in every decision.

• Innovation: Turning challenges into opportunities by finding new solutions.

Fort Worth STEAM Academy is a proposed public charter middle school in Fort Worth, Texas, scheduled to open in August 2026. The school will be tuition-free and open to all students, with no entrance exams or auditions. It intends to serve students throughout the Eastside, anticipating over 90% enrollment of low-income students of color.

Key Strategic Focus

The academy's strategic focus includes:

• Academic Excellence: Ensuring all students meet or exceed grade-level standards and enroll in Fort Worth High Schools of Choice.

• STEAM Career Exposure: Providing robust exposure to STEAM careers, showcasing a wide variety of post-secondary options.

• Community Engagement: Hosting educational programs like Family Literacy Nights to equip families with resources to support children's literacy at home.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Fort Worth STEAM Academy relies on donations to support its mission. Contributions assist in refining the academic model, engaging students in hands-on STEAM activities, and building a stronger community through family partnerships. Donations can be made through their official website.

Pipeline Development

The academy is in the preparatory phase, with plans to open in August 2026. Current initiatives include:

• Community Meetings: Engaging with the community to share the school's mission, vision, and unique offerings.

• Family Literacy Nights: Providing families with knowledge and resources to support children's literacy at home.

Technological Platform and Innovation

While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, the academy emphasizes:

• STEAM-Focused Curriculum: Integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to provide a comprehensive education.

• Hands-On Learning: Engaging students in practical activities to enhance understanding and application of STEAM concepts.

Leadership Team

Nicholas Ditto serves as the proposed superintendent of Fort Worth STEAM Academy. With over 10 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and founding principal of IDEA Rise College Prep, he has led schools to consecutive "A" ratings from the Texas Education Agency and recognition as a "Best Middle School" by US News & World Report.

Board of Directors:

• Mr. Brian Quintero (Board Chair)

• Nadia Thompson

• Angelica Leveroni-Gomez

• Nicholas Smith

• Ruben Esqueda

• Bryan Morris

• Eric C. Wilson

• Sherisa Davis-Larry

The board ensures inclusive recruitment processes and has established formal orientation and education practices for new members.

Leadership Changes

As the academy is in its formative stages, no significant leadership changes have been reported.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

The Fort Worth area has a growing demand for quality middle school education, particularly in STEAM fields. Currently, less than 15% of middle school students in East Fort Worth meet grade-level standards, indicating a significant opportunity for educational institutions focusing on STEAM education.

Competitor Analysis:

While specific competitors are not detailed, the academy's unique focus on STEAM education and community engagement positions it distinctively in the educational landscape.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The academy has partnered with organizations like Frost Bank to host workshops on financial literacy for middle and high school students and their families, providing free resources and fostering community engagement.

Operational Insights

Strategic considerations include:

• Location: Intentionally situated in Central East Fort Worth to serve students throughout the Eastside.

• Community Engagement: Hosting events and meetings to involve the community in the school's development and operations.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The academy's strategic roadmap includes:

• Opening in August 2026: Welcoming the inaugural class of sixth-grade students.

• Expanding Community Partnerships: Building relationships with local organizations to enhance educational offerings and support services.

• Enhancing STEAM Curriculum: Continuously developing and refining the curriculum to meet evolving educational standards and industry demands.

Contact Information

• Website: www.fwsteamacademy.org

• Email: nditto@fwsteamacademy.org

• Phone: 682-900-6049

For more information or to get involved, please visit the academy's official website or contact them directly.