By Rick Mauch
Nicholas Ditto has a dream and it’s building STEAM.
As in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The acronym is part of a new middle school he started, Fort Worth STEAM Academy.
“I believe every student and family deserve access to a high-quality public education that opens doors to future opportunity,” Ditto said. “As I looked at middle school academic outcomes across Fort Worth, I saw both an urgent need and tremendous potential.”
That realization pushed Ditto into action. Before launching Fort Worth STEAM Academy (FWSA), he spent nearly eight months meeting with families, community members and local leaders across Fort Worth’s east side to better understand what they wanted in a middle school. Those conversations directly shaped his model.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome our founding class this August and bring this community-driven vision to life,” he said.
Getting started
FWSA, a tuition-free public charter school, will start with 135 sixth graders in the fall. It will add seventh grade the following year and eighth grade the year after that, ultimately serving 450 students. The student-to-staff ratio will be approximately 10-1, Ditto said.
“Our focus is intentionally on middle school because we believe those years are foundational,” Ditto said. “Our goal is to ensure students leave us academically prepared, confident and ready to thrive in rigorous high schools and beyond.
“We also work closely with families to help them find high-quality high school options throughout Fort Worth.”
FWSA is funded primarily through state per-student dollars provided through Texas’ Foundation School Program. As a public school district operating with one campus, its funding is tied largely to student enrollment and attendance.
Open-enrollment charter schools in Texas are authorized and overseen by the Texas Education Agency and function as independent public school districts for purposes such as funding, accountability and reporting.
FWSA is leasing its campus at 300 E. Loop 820 in east Fort Worth, a 56,000-square-foot building that was once the home to Remington College. It received federal Charter School Program startup funding.
Ditto said future plans might include a project such as a robotics competition. He said getting input from students and their ideas is key.
“They’re actually picking our mascot,” he said. “We have an opportunity to build tradition.”
Leadership structure
Ditto is quick to point out that while the idea for FWSA was his, he’s had a lot of help in getting it underway.
FWSA is governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of leaders with expertise in education, operations, non-profit leadership, finance and community engagement. Ditto serves in a dual role as superintendent and principal.
“That structure allows us to maintain strong alignment between our vision, daily execution and long-term strategy as we launch the school,” he said.
Ditto originally planned to become a public defender. But as he studied the justice system, he became convinced that one of the best ways to change a young person’s future is through a strong education.
That led him to join Teach For America, where he became a middle school science teacher and later earned a master’s degree in secondary science education.
In 2019, he helped launch IDEA Rise College Prep in Fort Worth as a founding principal. He founded FWSA in 2023.
Endorsements
“I’m excited about the positive impact Fort Worth STEAM Academy can have on scholars and families in Fort Worth,” said Anna Mpinga, a former teacher and volunteer with the project.
“High-quality educational opportunities have the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life, and I believe Fort Worth STEAM Academy will provide scholars with an environment that challenges them academically while helping them develop the confidence, creativity and critical thinking skills they’ll need for the future.
“As for Nicholas, I am incredibly impressed by his dedication and perseverance throughout the entire process. Bringing a vision like this to life requires years of hard work, resilience and an unwavering belief in what is possible for students.”
Trenace Dorsey-Hollins is Founder and Executive Director of Parent Shield Fort Worth, committed to ensuring all children have access to a high-quality education.
“There is a tremendous sense of hope, purpose and positivity surrounding this campus,” she said. “Research shows that many students experience academic declines as they transition from elementary school to middle school.
“As students walk through the doors of FWSA, they may not yet realize how pivotal this school will be in shaping their educational journey and future opportunities.”
Alyssa Studer has been the Director of Go Beyond Grades, part of the Fort Worth Education Partnership, since June of 2025. She was a volunteer and supporter of FWSA as a community member before and continues in that capacity today.
“Data shows that students in the neighborhoods surrounding Fort Worth STEAM Academy have been performing below grade level for years, and I see FWSA as a direct and creative response to that problem,” she said.
“Additionally, I think Nicholas’ focus on STEAM is especially timely, given where the workforce is headed. We know that exposing kids to STEAM content and careers early increases interest, builds confidence and opens doors, particularly for students who have historically been under-represented in those fields.
“What really drew me into what Nicholas is building, though, is how targeted this model is. He made a deliberate choice to focus exclusively on middle school grades, where we know students are most at risk of falling behind.”
Public help
Ditto said he is eager to partner with the business community. As an active Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce member, he says schools and businesses should work together in ways such as financial support, career speakers, student experiences, volunteer service or other partnerships.
“Fort Worth’s future depends on the quality of education we provide to the next generation,” he said. “As our city continues to grow, students need strong schools that prepare them not only for high school and college, but also for meaningful careers and leadership opportunities in our community.”
