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Commission backs zoning change and SUP to move Novus Academy to Southlake
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend a zoning change and a specific use permit allowing the Novus Academy, a private K–12 school for students with learning differences, to relocate to 2250 East Continental Boulevard; approval is conditioned on staff reports and the SUP is tied to the lease term and extensions.
The Southlake Planning and Zoning Commission on March 6 voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a zoning map amendment with site plan (ZA25-8) and a specific use permit for a private school (ZA25-9) to allow Novus Academy to relocate to 2250 East Continental Boulevard.
City staff said the property is currently zoned I-1 (light industrial) and that the applicants seek SP-1 zoning with I-1 district uses, with private school permitted by SUP. Staff described the academy as a small, private K–12 school serving students with learning differences; the applicants told commissioners they expect approximately 50 students and 17 staff members in the school’s first year in Southlake.
“We are a K–12 school who serves students with learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, or other types of challenges,” Amy Richard, head of school, said. Richard said Novus Academy is fully accredited, serves the DFW area today from Grapevine, and that the majority of its students already come from Southlake and nearby communities.
School hours were described as 7:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with after-school programs typically ending by 4:30 p.m. The applicants said they also operate a summer program in June, July and August. Staff reported no responses from surrounding property owners for either case.
Commissioners moved and seconded motions to recommend approval of both the zoning change/site plan and the SUP; both motions referenced the staff report dated Feb. 28, 2025, and site plan/SUP review summary No. 2 dated Feb. 28, 2025. The motions also stated the SUP approval is for the term of the lease and any extensions. Both motions passed 5-0.
The commission’s recommendations will be forwarded to City Council for consideration; staff said the council is scheduled to take up zoning matters in early April.
