Curriculum
Telra Institute's curriculum offers a rigorous and comprehensive foundation with tailored acceleration and enrichment opportunities for every student every day.
Mathematics
In mathematics, Telra employs the Singapore Math curriculum for younger students (Telra Math 0), Beast Academy math for upper elementary and early middle school (Telra Math 1-5), and Art of Problem Solving for middle and high school (Telra Math 6 and above).
Mathematics Course of Study
Singapore Math
The nation of Singapore has consistently ranked at the top on international mathematics exams. Singapore's curriculum was adapted and introduced to the U.S in 1998 and is now in widespread use in both public and private schools.
The Singapore method is known for its rigor and its focus on learning fewer concepts at a greater depth than traditional U.S. math curricula.
Art of Problem Solving
Beast Academy is a problem-solving oriented math curriculum designed with advanced elementary math learners in mind. The program was developed by the mathematics enthusiasts at the Art of Problem Solving to be the curriculum they wish they had as young students, and it progresses into the Art of Problem Solving middle/high school curriculum.
The program focuses on building a foundation for more advanced math and science classes, instilling a joy of problem-solving, developing flexibility and perseverance, and teaching students to develop new insights on their own.
Sciences and Humanities
In the Sciences and Humanities, Telra uses a version of the Core Knowledge sequence heavily supplemented with skill and knowledge-building curricula in the elementary grades. At middle school, students begin transitioning to high-school content in English, History, and Science, and then in high school they begin using college materials.
This approach provides the students the benefits of a comprehensive common foundation of content knowledge while creating ample time for enrichment, exploration, inquiry, and the development of advanced skills.
Language Arts
Course of Study
Our youngest learners start with the phonological awareness and phonics curricula to build a solid reading foundation. We use a variety of literacy and language strands to form this foundation and extend their growth as readers and writers:
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Printing and cursive skills with Zaner-Blosser
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Vocabulary using Caesar's English and the Word within the Word
As students transition to middle school, they being working with the rich OAT English curriculum and the Logic & Rhetoric sequence from Classical Academies Press
At the high school level, students primarily study content through Central Piedmont Community College. In addition to the CPCC program, Telra also offers courses in Logic & Rhetoric.
The Core Knowledge Science sequence provides students with a firm, cumulative knowledge base in science and engineering design.
Beginning in middle school, students study high school science content through the systematic Integrated Science curriculum, beginning with a year long study of Earth and Environmental Science, followed by Biology, and ending with Chemistry/Physics. Each of these courses is linked to a high school credit that students earn toward their graduation requirements.
At the high school level, students take science courses through Central Piedmont Community College. For some of these courses, students also participate in recitation sessions with Telra faculty for an even deeper dive into the content.
Social Studies
Course of Study
The Core Knowledge History and Geography sequence helps students build knowledge of diverse civilizations, cultures, and concepts, while incorporating topics from civics & arts and integrating tightly with the Language Arts program.
Our 7th & 8th graders explore a grand sweep of history using a combination of Core Knowledge, the World History Project , and OpenStax to earn high school credits in American History and World History
At the high school level, students take a variety of courses in social studies, both from Central Piedmont Community College and Telra courses. Students study Personal Finance and American Government (OpenStax) from through Telra Institute. As with other subject areas, once students reach high school, their pathways become more individualized and based in CPCCs pathways.
Gym
We believe physical activity is important. Everything from the traditions of ancient Greece to modern research findings support the idea that honing the body (aside from its intrinsic health benefits) also facilitates learning. That's why our students enjoy PE or an extended recess 2 or more days per week
Research shows that physical activity improves speed and accuracy of cognitive tasks, the ability to focus attention, and of course long-term positive health outcomes.
Specials and Explore
K-3 students rotate through Visual Arts, Writing Workshop, Theater, and PE.
Our grade 4+ students also have specials that each take place two days per week. 4th and 5th grade students participate in computer science, P.E. and Writing Workshop. 6th graders have P.E. and art. 7th and 8th graders take P.E. and either French or art. Students in grades 4+ will participate in a weekly workshop called “Explore."
Explore is organized into 6-12 week sessions in which students can select a passion project from a set of rotating offerings developed by their teachers. These are determined term-to-term based on interest and staffing. Examples include art, debate, chess, basketball, track, leadership, keyboarding, math club, and poetry.
