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Telra Institute is a tuition-free public charter school in Charlotte, NC that provides a rigorous and accelerated experience for advanced learners. A challenging and accelerated experience for advanced learners Welcome to Telra Institute Telra Institute is a tuition-free charter school Open enrollment for grades K-10 entering in Fall 2025 is now open! Telra will expand by one grade each year through K-12. Lottery complete, offers being sent. Additional applicants will be processed in order received Grades K-4: Lottery video Waitlist for 25-26 seats How to enroll Register for placement testing Watch our information session videos for prospective families 1. Why Telra Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied 2. Mission Curriculum Placement Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Telra Institute is a tuition-free public school in the south Charlotte metro. Read about our location, calendar, transportation, meals, uniforms, and more. Let's Go! countdown What makes Telra different? Our Approach What program do we offer? Our Curriculum Our grouping model optimizes instructional time 15-35% More learning The Telra experience looks different for every student Each child follows their own trajectory through Telra Learn More

Telra Institute offers free morning and afternoon bus service to help safely transport our students between school and home. We offer three Charlotte area routes: Red, Blue, and Green. Telra Institute offers free morning and afternoon bus service to help safely transport our students between school and home. Routes & Coverage Our bus routes are carefully planned to serve families across the greater Charlotte area. We currently operate routes along the following lines: Bus Routes for 25-26 are in progress and will be published soon! Routes are updated annually based on enrollment and demand Pick-up & Drop-off times Morning pick-up times are between 7:00 am - 8:00 am Afternoon drop-off times are between 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm More precise times for each stop will be provided upon enrollment in the bus service Registration Complete the Bus Service Request Form by August 1 to participate in the bus lottery Receive confirmation email with route details (or notification that you are on the wait list) Registration after this date will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacity is limited. The school bus is offered as a convenience & a privilege. Families should plan to have an alternative means of transport to the school in case they do not win a seat or if bus service is suspended for any reason. Safety Telra school buses are operated by licensed, background-checked drivers Buses are regularly inspected and maintained Personnel are trained in emergency procedures All riders and parents must agree to the Telra Institute Bus Rider Expectations All students of Telra Institute are eligible to ride the school bus. Telra draws students from a wide geographic area, so the Telra buses make stops at cluster meeting points. The school bus is the safest vehicle on the road. Students are about 70x more likely to get to school safely while riding a school bus compared to traveling by car. >> Families must adhere to the bus rider expectations to ride the bus

We're excited to open our doors in Fall 2021. Here's more info on our location and future growth, as well as transportation, meals, uniforms, and cleaning protocols. Attending Telra Location Transportation Hours & Calendar Meals Uniforms Wrap Around Care Our Location Telra Institute was excited to open its doors in Fall 2021 on the campus of Matthews United Methodist Church. Our school building, formerly the church preschool, was already configured for young children, and we upgraded and outfitted the classrooms in preparation for our opening. In addition to classrooms, we were gratef to have access to outside space, playgrounds, a gym, and plentiful parking. In Fall 2022, we opened our K-8 in a custom-designed building on a separate site in South Charlotte in the Providence / 485 area at 4150 McKee Rd. In Fall 2025, we will open our high school in Matthews at 3130 Campus Ridge Rd. Our Location > Location Transportation Telra wants to ensure transportation is not a barrier to attendance. Parents have multiple transportation options: Individual parent drop-off and pick-up Carpool with other families – Telra will help coordinate carpool groupings and assist families in locating an active carpool School bus – Telra draws students from a wide area and offers families access to a free shuttle stop school bus system. Sign up details are provided to enrolled families. Arrival & Departure Meals Telra offers a daily nutritious hot lunch service as part of the National School Lunch Program. Families can qualify for free or subsidized meals. Children are of course welcome to bring lunch from home. Please contact us if you have any questions. Purchase Lunch > Uniforms Telra Institute recognizes the benefit that dress code and uniform standards have in creating a distraction-free environment for learning and in contributing to school identity and spirit. Click here to learn more. Uniforms Meals Transportation Hours Calendar Hours & Calendar Telra's school day starts at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m . Telra’s school calendar is designed on a trimesters (10-13 weeks long) and semesters (~16 weeks long). Click to enlarge Before & After School Care Wrap Around Care We are pleased to offer before and afterschool care to help our families. Learn more about our program and sign up here .

Support from the community helps us make our distinctive learning experience accessible for all children. Telra Institute is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit with a Platinum seal of transparency from GuideStar, the world’s largest source of information about nonprofit organizations. Support Telra Support from the community helps us make our distinctive learning experience accessible for all children. Telra Institute and Telra Supporting Organization are each 501(c)(3) nonprofits with Platinum seals of transparency from GuideStar , the world’s largest source of information about nonprofit organizations. Telra Supporting Organization (the school's fundraising "foundation") Telra Institute (the school) Donate Make a tax-deductible donation to τ au, the Telra Annual Use Fund Shop Earn money for the school by doing the things you already do: Harris Teeter Publix Amazon Smile Mabel's Labels Coca Cola Give Office Depot Give Back Volunteer Find volunteer opportunities Donate

Meet the leadership team at Telra Institute. Meet Our Staff Contact us using our standard email address convention Firstname.Lastname@telra.org Leadership Team Dr. Ronak Bhatt Founder & Chancellor READ BIO Alicia Soto-Bazemore Principal READ BIO Kate Waters Director of Operations READ BIO Instructional Leadership Team Jordan Lewis Gina Davila Amy Recoon Teachers Cierra Bodrick Jamal Fruster Suzanne Cukro Taylor Pace Dominique Pinkney Morgan Almirall Kaitlyn Bean Surya Streater Susan Knowlton Cynthia Aiken Malina Carroll Michael Wright Jillian Oliastro Gigi Graham Michele Danaher Lisa Ashton Chris Aquilanti Instructional Support Hope McLean Diana Monago

Camp Wonder @ Telra Telra is launching summer camps! Designed as an alternative to your typical summer camp, Telra camps combine learning and fun with clear instructional goals and an opportunity to move the needle on student learning in three short weeks. The camps are open to students from any school, but spaces are limited, and Telra students will have priority. (Otherwise, they will be allocated in order of registration, so sign up fast!) All of our camps... Focus on the basics: We use evidence-based curriculum with explicit, systematic instruction to help students gain mastery and confidence Enjoy a high supervision ratio: 1 teacher per 5-7 students Provide 3 sequenced weeks of instruction July 14 - Aug 1 (Monday - Friday) 8am - noon Core camp pricing is $250/week ($750 total, as you must sign up for the entire camp) Optional add-ons can be purchased for individual weeks: Lunch bunch (noon - 1pm) - pack your own lunch: $25/week Afternoon sports & games camp (noon - 4pm): $200/week (includes Lunch bunch) Three exciting camp options Bridge to Algebra (SOLD OUT) Reading Jump Start Literary Science Sign up Bridge to Algebra (Sold out) Looking ahead to taking algebra in the next year or two? This camp serves as a perfect bridge from late elementary / early middle school math to Algebra. We help students strengthen their fundamental math skills and build fluency, giving them the confidence and preparation to tackle algebra head-on. Recommended for Telra students scheduled to take Telra Math 5 or Telra Math 6 in the fall Non-Telra students starting Grade 6 or 7 in the fall (students will be expected to complete a placement test to ensure they’re ready for this camp) Reading Jump Start Want your beginning reader to start the fall with a leg up? Join an engaging camp that uses a structured phonics approach to early literacy. We help young learners build a strong foundation in reading through interactive, step-by-step instruction. It’s the perfect way to get kids excited about reading and set them up as lifelong readers! Recommended for Rising Kindergarten and 1st Grade students Literary Science This camp uses exciting science topics & experiments to ignite a passion for reading. We build reading comprehension skills and position students for success in State reading exams through an engaging Beast Academy science curriculum. Recommended for Students starting Grade 3 or 4 in the fall Bridge Edge Science Sign up Sign up

Meet Our Staff Contact us using our standard email address convention Firstname.Lastname@telra.org Elisha Rearick K-3 Principal Elisha Rearick began her career in education as a classroom teacher at a charter school in Harrisburg where she taught third and fourth grade. She loved being a classroom teacher and always worked to challenge her students to help them reach their full potential. After her son was born, Mrs. Rearick decided to pursue her Master's in Academically and Intellectually Gifted Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and became a Talent Development teacher in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Her passion for serving advanced learners is what drew her to Telra's approach to education. Outside of school, Mrs. Rearick loves spending time with her husband and four-year-old son, Miles. Together, they enjoy going to bookstores, hiking at parks, and playing board games. Mrs. Rearick and her family also love trying new restaurants and coffee shops, so she is always looking for recommendations! Education: Master's in Special Education: Academically and Intellectually Gifted; University of North Carolina at Charlotte BA in Psychology; Georgia State University Elementary Education Certificate; Moreland University Back to Directory

Inspired and excited by the Telra mission? Join Us! We are assembling a high-performing team to work with our novel educational model in a culture that prizes education and esteems educators. Hiring in all roles. Equal Opportunity Employer Inspired and excited by the Telra mission? Join Us! We are assembling a high-performing team to work with our novel educational model in a culture that prizes education and esteems educators. Candidates will find a supportive environment and opportunities to excel professionally, intellectually, and financially. Telra Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer Open Positions Visit our hiring portal to find open positions and apply. If you think you'd be a great fit, but don't see your role listed in our hiring portal, please email us your resume/cover letter and convince us! jobs [at] telra.org Telra will consider part-time applicants for all roles even where job postings are listed as full-time. Telra participates in E-Verify and welcomes all legally-authorized workers.

Support from the community helps us make our distinctive learning experience accessible for all children. Telra Institute is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit with a Platinum seal of transparency from GuideStar, the world’s largest source of information about nonprofit organizations. T elra A nnual U se Fund The Telra Annual Use Fund ( τ au) is the school's highest priority fundraising effort. If all Telra families contribute, we can close the charter school funding gap and deliver a world-class education for our students. Introducing τ au (video) How to contribute Donate now Employee matching FAQs How to contribute We've made donating to τ au simple. If you click on the Donate button below, you can choose whether you'd like to make a one-time donation or a recurring monthly donation by credit card or by bank ACH. That’s right, you can use a credit card so you can earn points or miles or cash back while you donate! Our fundraising platform Zeffy covers all the payment fees so you know every dollar you donate will go to Telra and be put to good use. On the payment screen, you will be asked to make an optional extra donation to Zeffy to help defray those credit card and bank fees. It will say "Support the 100% free platform we use! " and show you a pull-down menu to adjust your "tip". It's up to you whether you want to apply the Zeffy-requested tip, adjust it, or even dial it down to zero. We are happy to work out special arrangements if the Zeffy platform doesn't work for you. This can happen if you need to use a different process to secure an employer match, if you want to donate stock or other property, or you have other unique circumstances, Please email us at donations [at] telra.org. Employee Gift Matching Programs Make your gift more impactful! Many employers will match individual donations to registered 501(c)(3) charities. Inquire with your HR department or look up your employer here to see if they participate. Some employers will require donations to be directed through their internal giving portal. Please search for: Telra Supporting Organization Tax ID 85-2744858 If you can’t find Telra already listed on your portal of choice, let us know at donations@telra.org Frequently Asked Questions How will the funds raised via τ au be used? Please watch the video or look at the uses listed in the donation section. How is Telra accountable for the use of funds and what is the oversight? Funds raised via τ au are subject to the same transparency and accounting controls as the rest of Telra finances. Like all 501(c)(3) non-profits, Telra has to make annual financial filings. GuideStar , the premier clearinghouse for nonprofit research, gives Telra their highest rating , a Platinum Seal for transparency. Telra Institute has a highly experienced and professional Board of Directors charged with overseeing all uses of Telra funds and approving the annual budget. All income and expenditures for North Carolina charter schools are captured in regular (~monthly) financial reports shared with the Board of Directors and made available to the public. All North Carolina charter schools undergo an annual independent audit and the results are submitted to the State Department of Public Instruction. This level of transparency with monthly financial reports and board meeting minutes exceeds that of even the nation's largest nonprofits such as Feeding America, United Way, or St. Jude. How do we know the funds raised will be used efficiently? Our track record speaks for itself. For years, Telra has responsibly managed an annual budget an order of magnitude larger than τ au. As the video details, we have been diligent and efficient in deploying Telra's limited financial resources to develop our unique school program and expand on our wonderful facilities. The Telra Annual Use Fund just allows us to take this further.

Meet Our Staff Contact us using our standard email address convention Firstname.Lastname@telra.org Doru Bratescu Director of Facilities Doru Bratescu has been in the facilities administration field for over 15 years. In his role at International Pirelli Tire, he developed partnerships with external companies for janitorial cleaning, landscaping, snow removal, mechanical maintenance, electrical & HVAC maintenance, waste management and pest control. Doru also managed the relationship between Pirelli administration and over 50 suppliers in order to precisely execute the architectural designs for both grounds and structural projects. As the Facility Manager, he developed a successful and stable team that was focused on future growth of the company. Back in his home country of Romania, Doru worked as a high school teacher, educating & leading students and engaging parents in school activities to meet and exceed his yearly professional goals. Back to Directory

Earn money for the school by doing the things you already do! Mabel's Labels will donate 20% to Telra when you select our school before shopping the site. Telra receives 20% of all Mabel's Labels purchases Visit campaigns.mabelslabels.com Type “Telra Institute ” into the dropdown Shop the site for waterproof, durable labels to curb germ spread and to keep your child's items coming home instead of sitting in the lost and found. Go now

Telra Institute recognizes the benefit that dress code and uniform standards have in creating a distraction free environment for learning and in contributing to school identity and spirit. In establishing our dress code, we strive to strike a balance between safety, simplicity, and flexibility. School Uniforms Telra Institute recognizes the benefit that dress code and uniform standards have in creating a distraction-free environment for learning and in contributing to school identity and spirit . In establishing our dress code, we strive to strike a balance between safety, simplicity, and flexibility. We aim for a common style and standard while allowing parents the freedom to use the vendors of their choice for convenience and cost-effectiveness. Dress Code Principles Support active kids Children will be physically active every day. Ensure clothing, shoes, and accessories are safe and appropriate for kids running, playing, and jumping. Minimize distraction All clothing items (with the exception of shoes and coats for outside wear) must be solid colored and free of stripes, p atterns, graphics, logos, or text. No visible tattoos or glitter allowed. Hair should be natural - no coloring, wigs, or visible inserts such as fairy hair Subtle make-up or nail polish colors ok, but should be free of symbols or designs. No recording or communication devices. This means no cell phones or smart watches. Reinforce pride in self and in school All clothing must be neat, clean, well-fitting, and in good condition (no holes or rips). Outfit components must follow the style, length, and color standards. The school style is simple and understated. Indeed, attire at Telra should not make a statement. We never want financial constraints to prevent a child from taking advantage of the unique education that Telra can provide. Email frontdesk@telra.org if you need some help in purchasing a school wardrobe for your child or if you would like to be a Uniform Angel to help another family. Dress code standards You can read up on all the details of the dress code standards below, but if you'd prefer an audio explanation (and don't mind a little silliness), have a listen here. Queue it up on a car ride with your kids. Telra dress code explainer 00:00 / 13:48 The basic Telra uniform is a solid colored polo top and neutral-colored dress bottoms (specific colors described below). Various combinations are possible, and parents may purchase uniform components from any vendor. While general guidelines are provided here, we understand no set of dress code standards will address every scenario. In the event of doubt, reach out to frontdesk@telra.org for assistance in interpreting these standards. Required Basics Optional Layers Footwear Accessories Outerwear Colors Spiritwear Standards Telra Uniform Storefronts To take the guesswork out of shopping, we've h and selected items and colors from high quality uniform vendors lines of apparel. When you shop at the links below, you know that the items comply with Telra's dress code standards. Telra's School Code for French Toast: QS61ANV Shop French Toast> Shop Lands' End> Lands' End offers Telra uniforms and spirit wear storefront Required Basics Step 1: Required Basics Pants Dress-style. No corduroy or knit material. No athletic or jogger pants. Neat cargo pockets ok. Length : Full-length to ankle (no capris, should not drag on ground) Color : Telra neutrals Shorts & Skirts Dress-style. No corduroy or knit material. Neat cargo pockets ok. Skorts ok. Modesty shorts required under skirts. Length : No longer than knee-length and no shorter than 2 inches above the knee Color : Telra neutrals Shirts Polo-style cotton or synthetic collared shirts. No puff sleeves. Standard collars - no peter pan collars or decorative stitching. Length : Long sleeve or short sleeve. Tucked in for grades 2+ Color : Telra blue or orange; navy, red, light blue, or light pink. Dresses Polo-style, one-piece collared dresses (short or long-sleeve) over modesty shorts Length : No longer than knee-length and no shorter than 2 inches above the knee Color : Telra blue or orange; navy, red, light blue, or light pink. Optional Layers Step 2: Optional Layers Top layers sweaters, vests, cardigans, zip ups, sweatshirts Fleece or tightly knit or woven fabric, without a hood. Must be worn over an approved shirt or dress Length: Waist/hip length or above (no long sweaters) Color: Telra neutrals; Telra blue or orange; navy, red, light blue, or light pink. Jumpers Dress-style. No corduroy or knit material. Must be worn over approved shirt and modesty shorts. Length: No longer than knee-length and no shorter than 2 inches above the knee Color: Telra neutrals Sub-layers undershirts, camisoles, turtlenecks Permitted if worn underneath approved shirt or dress Length: Tuck in if needed to ensure hem not visible Color: Telra blue or orange; navy, red, light blue, and light pink; white. Tights or Leggings Permitted if worn underneath approved bottoms or dress Length: Full-length to ankle Color: White; Telra neutrals; Telra blue or orange; navy, red, light blue, or light pink. Footwear Step 3: Footwear Sneakers / tennis shoes Solid or patterned , but nothing distracting (no lights, charms, sequins, etc.) Style: Toes must be enclosed and no high tops permitted. No Natives, Keens, Crocs, etc. Color: No neon colors Dress shoes, heels, boots Not allowed - However, students may wear weather-appropriate boots to-from school or for recess on rainy/snowy days if they change into tennis shoes once inside. Sandals, Crocs, flip flops, Natives, Keens, anything with open toes or tops Not allowed Socks Solid , but subtle logos ok Color: Telra neutrals, white, or black Accessories Step 4: Accessories Belts Not required, but functional belts may be worn with pants, shorts, or skirts that have belt loops. Color: Black, brown, or Telra neutral Jewelry Light, stud earrings or small nose stud permitted, but no other facial piercings or hoops. A light necklace is permitted if tucked under the uniform top, A single bracelet or watch on each wrist is ok, but should not be excessively large or dangling. Smooth and non-bulky rings are ok. These restrictions minimize the risk of injuries during recess and PE. Headwear Hats, bandanas, or other head coverings are not allowed indoors. Thin headbands (solid colors and minimalistic) are ok for hair retention Outerwear Step 5: Outerwear No restrictions on coats or other outerwear when worn outside. Any length. Any color. Just ensure there are no school-inappropriate images or language. Colors School Colors & Classics Telra blue and orange, as well as commonly-available classic colors can be part of the uniform for all Telra students . We want to ensure families have ready access to affordable uniform components online or in-store. Colors Examples color names by brand/retailer: French Toast : teal, orange or sun orange, navy, red, light blue, light p ink Children's Place : orange (flame), navy ( nautico , tidal), red (ruby, classic red), light blue (daybreak, brook), light pink (sparklpink) Lands' End : navy (classic navy), red, light blue (blue), light pink (ice pink), orange (orange spice) Cat & Jack : navy, red, light blue, light pink Old Navy : orange (orange surfboards), navy (ink blue, dark sea blue), red (red tape, r obbie red), light blue (m onet blue, something blue), light pink (preppy pink, puffy pink) GAP : navy (crayon true indigo, true indigo), red (modern red, ruby red), light blue ( Hampton blue, pure blue) Telra Neutrals All grades may wear Telra neutrals—medium gray and khaki —for pants, shorts, skirts, and jumpers. Note - navy and black are not approved Telra neutral colors. Examples of approved Telra Neutrals by brand or retailer: The Children's Place: medium gray (storm, gray steel), khaki (s andwash), avoid: flax and fin gray Lands' End: medium gray (gray, arctic gray), khaki, avoid: charcoal heather Cat & Jack: medium gray (charcoal gray), khaki (khaki, light khaki, beige) French Toast: gray, heather gray, khaki Old Navy: khaki (rolled oats, khaki, shore enough), avoid: earl gray GAP: medium gray (grey), khaki (wicker, beige, khaki) Primary: slate gray Masks Any child-appropriate patterns or colors are acceptable. Please avoid text. Spiritwear Spiritwear Telra spirit wear is available from multiple locations so that you can showcase your Telra spirit around town or around the world! Note that spirit wear is not an approved substitute for a uniform, however it may be worn on designated dress down days. Seasonal store (orders fulfilled monthly) On-demand store (select "spiritwear" on the “select grade / status” pull down to see the styles available) We never want financial constraints to prevent a child from taking advantage of the unique education that Telra can provide. Click here if you need some help in purchasing a school wardrobe for your child or if you would like to be a Uniform Angel and support another family.