Core
High school English, math, and science taught in their traditional forms, the foundation of a rigorous education.
Freedom · Grades 9–12
More Than a High School®
More Than a High School®
Built for the American Dream.
You gave them roots. We’ll give them wings.®
Our Vision
Economic freedom through learning.
Our Mission
Developing critical-thinking abilities to ensure financial freedom and patriotic American citizenship upon graduation.
Award-Winning Program
Welcome to The Freedom Institute®
Tailored learning, unparalleled academics
A high school experience that celebrates individuality, enterprise, and practicality, combining personalized academics with unparalleled guidance. Every student learns from certified teachers and a dedicated Success Coach who knows them by name.
10,000+
Online courses & certificates via Coursera
30:1
Students per dedicated Success Coach
5
Pillars of the C5 curriculum
100%
Students with a college & career plan
What We Offer
Classes & support, all in one place
Mastery-Based Classes
Freedom classes are mastery-based courses supported by our Canvas learning platform, allowing students to move through content at a pace that fits their individual learning needs while demonstrating true mastery before advancing. These courses use AI-enhanced lessons and activities to individualize conversations, feedback, and support for each student, creating a more personalized learning experience. Many of our courses also include CLEP preparation, giving students the opportunity to take the CLEP exam after completing the course and earn college credit upon passing. At The Freedom Institute, this model helps students build independence, mastery, and real-world readiness.
AI-Embedded Classes
At The Freedom Institute, AI is embedded throughout many of our courses so students learn how to responsibly and effectively use emerging technology in real-world settings. Students can interact with AI-enhanced lessons, receive personalized support, and build practical skills using modern AI tools across multiple subject areas. In addition, students have opportunities to earn industry-recognized AI credentials and certificates. For students who want a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence, our Career With AI course provides hands-on training in AI tools, prompt engineering, digital communication, entrepreneurship, and future-ready workforce skills.
Coursera Online Courses
Through our partnership with Coursera, students can choose from more than 10,000 online courses, professional certificates, and learning experiences from leading universities and companies worldwide, spanning business, technology, healthcare, marketing, artificial intelligence, communication, and entrepreneurship. Students can further customize their education à la carte with FLVS Flex courses and foreign languages. Many courses are self-paced and designed to build real-world skills while earning industry-recognized credentials that support college and career readiness.
Internship & Job Support
Every student and family is paired with a dedicated Success Coach, a concierge approach at roughly 30:1, who guides them toward their chosen career. Coaches work directly with students to identify career interests, build resumes, prepare for interviews, and develop professional communication skills, then help secure internships and mentorships in that field with local businesses and organizations. Through regular mentorship and guidance, Success Coaches create clear pathways toward college, careers, and future success.
College Support
The Freedom Institute provides individualized college application support to help students and families navigate the admissions process with confidence. Our team assists with college searches, application timelines, essays, resumes, scholarships, recommendation letters, and admissions planning. Through dual enrollment partnerships with Florida SouthWestern State College and others, students can also earn college credit as early as 9th grade, building strong applications that reflect their achievements, credentials, and real-world learning.
The C5 Curriculum
Five pillars of a Freedom education
Built on traditional American approaches and aimed at economic freedom for every graduate, taught on our Naples campus with rigor, mentorship, and real-world application.
Civics
American Government and History taught with a traditional, patriotic approach.
College & Career
Students assess their skills and make informed choices about their college and career pursuits.
Consumerism
A comprehensive grasp of personal finance, budgeting, banking, investing, and more.
Character
Hard Work, Respect, Patriotism, and Kindness, the foundation for productive citizenship.
The Freedom Difference
A high school built around your student.
The Freedom Institute pairs personalized, mastery-based academics with real mentorship, flexible, rigorous, and unmistakably ours. No standardized testing for admission; just real teachers who know your student by name.
A Success Coach in your corner
A credentialed educator serving as academic advisor, mentor, career counselor, and advocate, about 30 students to one coach.
Certified teachers, real engagement
Critical thinking through debate, projects, and discussion, taught by educators certified in Florida Teaching, Gifted, ESE, and ELL.
Freedom Career Speakers, monthly
Monthly sessions where students ask questions directly to successful leaders from a wide range of career paths, the American Dream Conversations.
Student Life
More than a school. A community.
From study sessions and spirit days to field trips and graduation, Freedom students build real friendships and real confidence. Learning here feels personal, supported, and full of life.
Students Meet Today’s Thought Leaders
American Dream Conversations
Each month, our students interact directly with Freedom Leaders, learning from extraordinarily successful individuals about their careers and their contributions to our country and community.
Leadership
Freedom Institute officers
Christopher Marker
Chief Executive Officer
CEO@freedominstitute.net
Read bio
Mr. Chris Marker brings over 30 years of experience in student success to The Freedom Institute. Notably, he is also a proud parent, having successfully homeschooled his son from K-12, who is now a thriving engineer in our local community.
His journey from farm country to becoming a respected figure in education is a testament to his strong work ethic and determination. Starting with a Bachelor’s degree at Miami University, he embarked on a career in social service and education. His diverse roles, from behavior therapist to principal, have enriched his understanding of student needs. His educational achievements, including a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Doctoral work in Educational Administration, further validate his expertise. His certifications are as a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) certified, as well as a Florida-certified school principal and school leader.
Mr. Marker empowers students, helping them achieve their educational goals, build a fulfilling career, and achieve economic freedom through learning.
Dr. Nathan Poteet
Exec. Director of Programs & AI
Nathan.Poteet@freedominstitute.net
Read bio
Dr. Nathan Poteet brings over 14 years of experience as a teacher and administrator with K-12 students in Collier County. As an administrator, he has helped two schools increase student achievement. As a result, both schools went from a school grade of a “C” to an “A” (Highlands Elementary and Lake Trafford Elementary).
For the past two years, Dr. Poteet has served as the founding principal of The Freedom Institute of Collier County and now looks forward to his new role as the Executive Director of Programs and AI.
Dr. Poteet earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. He is also certified in Educational Leadership K-12, Exceptional Student Education K-12, Elementary Education K-6, and Physical Education K-12.
Dr. Poteet’s educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student deserves a tailored education that aligns with their unique needs and interests. He firmly advocates for this approach, seeing it as a crucial step towards equipping students with the tools they need for lifelong success and financial independence.
Christy Vaill
Principal/Director of Leadership
Christy.Vaill@freedominstitute.net
Read bio
Mrs. Christy Vaill began her career in education in 2007 and has had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles within Collier County, including classroom teacher, resource teacher, media specialist, math and science instructional coach, and assistant principal. Today, she is honored to serve as the principal of The Freedom Institute of Collier County, where she is passionate about creating a supportive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.
Mrs. Vaill holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Florida and a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is certified in Educational Leadership K-12, Exceptional Student Education K-12, Educational Media Specialist PK-12, and Elementary Education K-6, and holds endorsements in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Reading.
As a proud founding staff member, Mrs. Vaill has been part of Freedom since it opened its doors in 2023. She began as a Senior Success Coach and after two years transitioned to Principal. She deeply believes that building genuine, positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community is at the heart of helping children succeed. Her dedication to nurturing both academic and personal growth has helped make Freedom not just a school, but a place where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. She prides herself on a positive school culture for all.
More Than a High School®
Where students find their purpose, not just their diploma.
Real teachers, real mentorship, and real-world experience, on our Naples campus and beyond. Come see what a personalized education looks like in person.
What Families Say
Loved by Freedom families
Admissions
Tuition & financial aid
Simple, transparent tuition with flexible payment plans, and we proudly accept Florida scholarships to make a Freedom education accessible.
$12,000 / year
Annual tuition · 2026–2027
$500
Non-refundable registration & supply fee, billed yearly
Florida scholarships accepted, including Step Up for Students PEP and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES‑UA), plus limited additional financial assistance.
Questions about tuition or aid? Call (239) 427-1776, we’re glad to walk your family through the options.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
How do I enroll my student?
Start by scheduling a campus tour and info session. Our admissions team will guide you through the enrollment process and help you complete the enrollment packet.
Is there an application deadline?
There’s no application deadline, but we recommend applying early to secure your spot, our program is in high demand.
Do you require standardized testing for admission?
No. We do not require standardized testing for admission, though interviews are required for all prospective students.
What does a school day look like?
Students learn on our Naples campus with a personalized, mastery-based schedule rather than rigid class periods. We follow a traditional school-year calendar, and Success Coaches help each student stay on pace.
How much personal support does my student get?
Every student is guided by a dedicated Success Coach who supports them one-on-one and helps keep them on pace, at a concierge ratio of about 30 students to one coach.
Do you offer dual enrollment, honors, AP or IB?
Students participate in dual enrollment at FSW, FGCU, and other universities, sometimes beginning freshman year. We offer honors-level courses and work with families to acquire AP/IB opportunities.
Do you support gifted students or students with learning differences?
Yes. Our teachers hold certifications including Florida Teaching, Gifted, ESE, and ELL.
What technology do students need?
A laptop. We provide Microsoft 365, AI tools, STEAM lab components, and more to support learning on campus and at home.
Start Your Tailored Learning Today
Give your student the freedom to thrive.
Admission begins with a campus tour and a conversation with our leadership team to see whether Freedom is the right fit. There’s no obligation, just a conversation about your student’s future.
No standardized testing for admission · Step Up for Students accepted · Payment plans available