This change represents our ongoing commitment to empowering families and advancing freedom in education. We believe every child deserves access to high-quality, personalized learning experiences, and this new identity strengthens our mission to make that nationwide vision a reality.
We invite you to explore our updated website and learn more about the work we’re doing under this new banner. Thank you for supporting us as we continue to innovate and grow.
Click here to read the Education Freedom Foundation Press Release.
The Education Freedom Foundation’s mission is to champion education freedom by empowering families and visionaries through classical and innovative academic solutions.
Our Vision is to empower families by ensuring every child has access to exceptional, virtue-centered classical education. We envision a future where the best educational opportunities are made possible through the commitment and generosity of our donors, cultivating informed and ethical citizens ready to engage meaningfully with the world.
We provide a range of programs and services designed to support new school development and enhance classical and innovative educational experiences. Our work is driven by a passion for creating opportunities and making a meaningful impact in communities nationwide.
Enhance Educational Opportunities: Develop and support programs that provide enriching learning experiences and resources for students.
Support School Development: Assist in the establishment and growth of new schools by offering guidance and resources.
Improve Virtual Learning: Advance the quality and accessibility of online education through innovative technologies and tools.
Empower Parents: Provide valuable resources and support to help parents make informed decisions about their children’s education and enhance their learning experience at home.
Ensure Operational Excellence: Maintain high standards in the management and execution of our programs and services.
At the Education Freedom Foundation, we embrace the principles of classical education, which emphasizes a rigorous and holistic approach to learning. Our classical education approach focuses on:
Providing a strong foundation in core subjects such as language arts, mathematics, science, and history, ensuring students develop essential skills and knowledge.
Encouraging students to think deeply and critically about the material they study, fostering analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Cultivating virtues such as curiosity, perseverance, and integrity, which are integral to personal and academic growth.
Promoting an understanding of historical and cultural contexts, helping students connect past and present and appreciate diverse perspectives.
The Optima Foundation was established in 2017 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a vision to provide every family access to a high-quality, knowledge-rich, and virtue-based classical education. Founded by Erika Donalds, an education entrepreneur with a passion for expanding educational freedom, the Foundation quickly became a leader in the classical education movement.
Initially, the Foundation focused on launching and supporting classical charter schools, establishing four successful K-12 schools across Florida. These schools are rooted in the classical liberal arts tradition, emphasizing rigorous academics, character development, and civic responsibility. After guiding these schools to independence, all four continue to thrive and positively impact their communities.
In response to the growing demand for flexible and innovative education solutions—especially during the worldwide pandemic—the Foundation expanded its mission to include virtual learning. The first venture into this space was Optima Classical Academy, a grades 3-8 charter school launched in Florida in 2022. To support this initiative, the Foundation partnered with OptimaEd to develop a K-12 classical curriculum offering cutting-edge instruction, including Virtual Reality (VR).
Building on this success, the Foundation has helped to promote Optima Academy Online (OAO), which launched in 2023. OAO represents a pioneering virtual platform that merges classical education with advanced technology. Serving students nationwide, OAO offers both teacher-led and self-paced learning options for grades K-12. The integration of VR technology within the classical curriculum enables immersive learning experiences, making historical events, scientific concepts, and literary works come to life in unprecedented ways. For grades K-2, courses are available without VR but still uphold the rigorous classical curriculum standards.
In 2025, the Optima Foundation has rebranded as the Education Freedom Foundation to better reflect our mission of championing educational freedom and empowering families, educators, and school entrepreneurs. This evolution marks an exciting new chapter in our continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities.
The Education Freedom Foundation’s unwavering commitment to educational innovation and its dedication to supporting families and communities have established it as a respected and influential organization. Through ongoing initiatives like the Start-A-School Toolkit and partnerships with other educational entities, the Foundation continues to empower education entrepreneurs and expand access to quality education for all.
As a mother of three, I understand it’s critical to give parents the power to select the optimal academic environment for every child. The Education Freedom Foundation focuses on expanding access to high-quality, virtue-based classical education options for students and their families. Our organization is founded on core principles – including integrity, professionalism, and service. We seek to be a valuable resource for the education community as we exhibit a model of efficiency and effectiveness in the school choice sector, sharing best practices and showing outstanding results for others to emulate. The Foundation uses time-tested methods to prepare students to think critically and to equip them to confront the inevitable challenges all generations must face. Most importantly, we are committed to bringing knowledge and virtue to every student we serve. I hope you will join us
Erika Donalds holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida State University and a Masters in Accountancy from Florida Atlantic University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), underscoring her dedication to excellence in financial management and accounting principles.
Erika Donalds is a driven education entrepreneur, renowned as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Education Freedom Foundation and OptimaEd. With a strong commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and governance in Florida’s public schools, Erika leverages her background in finance and policy to drive meaningful change in the education landscape.
Prior to her leadership at the Education Freedom Foundation, Erika served as the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Compliance Officer and Partner at DGHM, an esteemed investment management firm, where she dedicated nearly two decades to overseeing finance, compliance, and operations. Her tenure included valuable contributions to the firm’s Management Committee.
Erika’s commitment to public service is evident through her roles as an elected member of the Collier County School Board and as a participant in Florida’s 2017-2018 Constitution Revision Commission. Her advocacy efforts and contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including Gulfshore Business magazine’s 40-Under-40 and the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools Charter School Champion Award.
Erika is a passionate advocate for education freedom and reform, frequently sharing her insights and expertise at conferences and events nationwide. She holds positions on advisory boards for organizations such as the Heritage Foundation Advisory Council on Education Reform, the Classical Learning Test, and Moms for Liberty, among others.
Erika resides in Naples with her husband of 20 years, Congressman Byron Donalds, and their three sons: Damon, Darin, and Mason. Beyond her professional endeavors, Erika finds fulfillment in her role as a dedicated wife and mother, actively contributing to her community and advocating for positive change in education.
Carol A. Manning holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Marquette University and currently serves as a Partner and Executive Producer at Tulmarc Productions in Santa Fe, NM. Her career spans various industries, including significant roles at Allstate Insurance and Zurich Insurance Company, where she excelled in client service, risk management, and leadership. Carol’s diverse background reflects her adaptability and success in different fields. A resident of Naples, she has received multiple honors from Allstate Insurance and remains actively involved in community organizations, including the Heritage Foundation and the Kiwanis Club.
Louise Penta is a passionate advocate for children’s education and well-being, with a rich history of community involvement and philanthropy. Originally an operating room nurse, Louise became deeply committed to supporting children with diabetes, leading initiatives like the construction of a dining hall at Camp Joslin. Since moving to Naples, Louise has been actively involved with The Immokalee Foundation, organizing fundraising events that have raised over $2 million for children’s education. A dedicated mentor, she has been recognized statewide for her contributions. Louise believes in hands-on involvement, advocating for the efficient use of tax dollars in education and mentoring as a key to success.
Thomas L. Walsh, Jr. is the Senior Vice President at Chilton Trust, specializing in wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. With over 20 years of experience, Thomas focuses on estate planning, tax strategies, and philanthropy. He holds an MS in Finance from Indiana University and a BS in Finance from Florida Gulf Coast University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Thomas is a CFA Charterholder and an active member of the CFA Institute. He also serves as an adjunct professor of Finance at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he mentors aspiring professionals. Thomas lives in Naples with his wife and three children.
