Freedom · Ave Maria, Florida · Grades 9–12

More Than a High School®
Built for Ave Maria.

You gave them roots. We’ll give them wings.®

Students on the Freedom Ave Maria campus
Now enrolling 2026–2027

We are thrilled to bring our award-winning, More Than a High School® experience to its exciting second location, right here in Ave Maria, Florida. Families can expect everything that makes Freedom special: personalized academics, dual enrollment and real college credit, hands-on internships, AI-powered learning, and a dedicated Success Coach who knows every student by name. The same individuality, enterprise, and practicality, now rooted in the heart of the Ave Maria community.

501(c)(3) Nonprofit Step Up for Students Approved Award Winning
Freedom Ave Maria students together at the campus
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.

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Our Team

Meet our staff

Jill Striz

Jill Striz

Principal
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Mrs. Jill Striz began her career in education in 2015 with Collier County Public Schools and has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to student achievement and instructional excellence. She has proudly called Ave Maria home for over a decade, where she is lovingly raising her family. She has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and for the past five years, Assistant Principal, where she has played an integral role in leading schoolwide systems, strengthening instructional practices, and fostering a culture of accountability and high expectations. In 2019, Mrs. Striz was honored as a Teacher of Distinction and Golden Apple recipient. As an instructional coach, she was instrumental in helping guide a school under state oversight to earn an A school grade, reflecting her strong expertise in data analysis, teacher development, and strategic school improvement planning. During her five years as Assistant Principal, Mrs. Striz has led initiatives focused on academic rigor and positive school culture. Her leadership approach emphasizes clear expectations and meaningful support for both students and staff. She believes that when educators are empowered and students are challenged, growth and success follows. Mrs. Striz holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Ave Maria University and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from University of West Florida. She currently carries endorsements and certifications in K-12 Gifted, K-12 Reading, K-12 ESOL, and Elementary Education. Mrs. Striz is honored to serve as the Principal of Freedom Ave Maria. She firmly believes that holding students to high standards within a supportive environment allows them to reach their highest potential. Her vision is to cultivate a culture of excellence, strong character, and partnership with families to ensure every child is prepared for long-term and real-world success.

John Whitcomb

John Whitcomb

Success Coach
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John Whitcomb is a dedicated educator and coach with over 20 years of experience in the classroom. Rated Highly Effective for nine consecutive years by the Collier County School District, John specializes in mathematics instruction and student-centered learning. A proud cum laude graduate of Ball State University, he brings a unique, well-rounded perspective to education, drawing on a diverse professional background in safety coordination, technical trades, agriculture and outdoor experience.

Jorge Agobian

Jorge Agobian

Success Coach
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Jorge Agobian relocated to Florida from Cleveland, Ohio, in 1996. He earned his B.A. in Marine Science and M.S. in Environmental Science from Florida Gulf Coast University, his M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from American College of Education, his B.A. in Mathematics from Southern New Hampshire University, and is currently working on his Ph.D. in Marine Geophysics from the University of Miami. Prior to coming to the Freedom Institute of Ave Maria, he taught Science and Engineering at the Community School of Naples, Science at Florida Virtual School, and Science and Engineering at Collier County Public Schools. He was also an Adjunct Professor of Science, Mathematics, and Spanish at Trinity College of Jacksonville, an Adjunct Professor of Science and Mathematics at Johnson & Wales University, and an Adjunct Professor of Science at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Sabrina Dieuvelhomme

Sabrina Dieuvelhomme

Success Coach
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In 2017, Sabrina Dieuvelhomme relocated to Ave Maria with her husband, where they are raising their two children. Mrs. Dieuvelhomme spent nine years with CCPS, where she served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal, consistently demonstrating her leadership and dedication to student success. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, and an ESOL endorsement. Throughout her career, she has prioritized building meaningful relationships with students and families, recognizing that strong, connected communities are the foundation of academic and personal growth. She is driven by the belief that every child has the potential to thrive and become the best version of themselves. As a proud Ave Maria resident, Mrs. Dieuvelhomme is honored to join the team as a Success Coach, where she looks forward to continuing her work of empowering and supporting students to reach their fullest potential.

Kylee Furar

Kylee Furar

Office Manager
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Kylee Furar is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a specialization in Sports Medicine from Bowling Green State University. Her academic background reflects a strong interest in health, wellness, and physical performance. Following graduation Kylee relocated to Naples, Florida, where she continues to grow both personally and professionally. Outside of work, Kylee enjoys coaching cheerleading, spending time outdoors, and staying active. She also values time with family and enjoys creating memories with her niece and nephews.

Recognition

Honored for innovation

The Yass Prize 2024 Semifinalist
The Yass Prize · 2024 Semifinalist
Edison Awards 2026 Nominee
Edison Awards · 2026 Nominee
SWFL Inc. Incredible Awards 2026 Innovation Award Winner
SWFL Inc. · 2026 Innovation Award Winner
What Families Say

Loved by Freedom families

I can’t say enough about how wonderful The Freedom Institute of Collier County is! They inspire and teach our young adults in such an amazing and enthusiastic way that you can’t find in any other high school. We feel so blessed to have found this amazing school. A very big thank you to everyone at The Freedom Institute for everything you do for our future leaders.
Bridget NunezProud Parent
The Freedom Institute of Collier County helped our son find his calling and graduate high school early to pursue his career. Thanks to Freedom, he was able to work practically full time, buy his own car, rule out his original career plan through the internship they secured for him (he found out it was not for him), study with dual enrollment, find a new career path, and graduate early to pursue it! There is nothing like this school in the country. We are so lucky to have this program right here in Naples for high schoolers. Only in their second year, they earned national recognition as a semifinalist for the 2024 Yass Prize. Well deserved!
Debbie TaylorProud Parent
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