Photo courtesy New Village Academy
New Village Academy to Celebrate Opening with Ribbon Cutting at Annapolis Mall; New tuition-free public charter high school welcomes community members and prospective families ahead of its first day of school
Annapolis, MD - New Village Academy will celebrate the opening of its new public charter high school with a Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at its new facility inside Annapolis Mall. The event comes one week before the school welcomes students for its first day on August 25.
The celebration marks the culmination of years of planning, community partnership, fundraising, construction, and collaboration with Anne Arundel County Public Schools to bring a new kind of high school experience to county students. Community members, elected officials, families, education leaders, and members of the press are invited to tour the completed school and celebrate the opening of a learning environment designed around strong relationships, real-world experiences, and students’ individual goals.
“Congratulations to everyone who refused to give up on this project,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “New Village Academy will open minds and open doors, not only for the students lucky enough to enroll, but also for the educators, businesses, community institutions, and families that are touched by those students. We will all be inspired.”
The program will include remarks from AACPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, AACPS Board of Education Member Dr. Joanna Tobin, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, Maryland State Senator Shaneka Henson, Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann, New Village Academy Board President Marcus Jones, and Romey Pittman, founder and principal of New Village Academy.
Civic Builders, a nonprofit charter school development organization, partnered with New Village Academy to finance and develop the new facility, helping transform the former retail space into a school designed for hands-on, collaborative, and community-connected learning.
“Great schools can change the trajectory of students and communities, but they need the right spaces to do it,” said David Umansky, CEO of Civic Builders. “New Village Academy is exactly the kind of ambitious, dynamic school Civic Builders exists to support. Seeing these doors open to students is our mission in action, and a reminder of what becomes possible when we invest in educators with a bold vision.”
Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting, guests will be able to tour the school, meet members of the New Village Academy community, enjoy music and refreshments, and learn more about the school’s approach to education.
New Village Academy was created for students and families seeking “high school done differently.” Students will participate in weekly internships, hands-on Community Action Projects, and academic experiences connected to their interests, future careers, and the needs of the Annapolis community. Each student will also belong to a small Crew led by an adult who serves as the student’s primary advocate and family contact throughout high school. Together, these experiences are designed to empower students to take charge of their education and future.
"We built New Village Academy because many students don’t see high school as helping them reach the future they envision for themselves," said Romey Pittman, founder and principal of New Village Academy. "When we put students in the driver's seat of their own learning, connect it to real work in the real world, and make sure every young person is known as an individual, something remarkable happens. That's what New Village is here to show."
“For students who have not found a good fit in traditional educational settings, New Village Academy offers the opportunity to chart a different course to Belong, Grow, and Succeed,”said AACPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell.
New Village Academy is open to Anne Arundel County residents entering grades 9–12. Families may still apply for the 2026–27 school year. Students who apply after the lottery window are added to the waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis as seats become available. Applying does not commit a student to attend.
Prospective families are encouraged to attend the ribbon cutting, tour the school, and speak with the New Village Academy team about whether the school is a good fit for their student.
“The opening of New Village Academy at Annapolis Mall represents an exciting investment in the future of our community,” said Mackenzie Fontaine, General Manager of Annapolis Mall. “Every child deserves a nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and discover their full potential. We’re proud to welcome New Village Academy and celebrate this important milestone with the families, educators, and students who will help shape the next generation. It’s partnerships like these that reinforce Annapolis Mall’s commitment to serving as a vibrant community destination where families can connect, learn, and thrive.”
Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Location: New Village Academy, 2280 Annapolis Mall Road, Upper Level, Annapolis, MD 21401 Entrance: Enter the mall from Bestgate Road and proceed up the Green Parking Ramp between The Container Store and Crate & Barrel.
Enrollment: www.newvillageacademy.org/how-to-apply/
About New Village Academy : New Village Academy is a tuition-free public charter high school and part of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, serving students in grades 9–12. Located inside Annapolis Mall, the school combines personalized academics, strong relationships, Community Action Projects, and weekly internships to help students take charge of their education and prepare for thriving careers, strong character, and active civic engagement. Learn more at www.newvillageacademy.org.
