Grades and Trajectories All of our students follow the Telra Institute course of study. However, each student follows their own trajectory through that course of study. That means students can progress at different rates in different subject areas, some may go fast er or slower at times, some may need extra support or enrichment, some may skip over content they already know, and some may need to repeat content to gain mastery. Zone of Proximal Development The concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is critical to Telra’s approach. Students learn best while experiencing the “productive struggle” of working in their zone of proximal development – not so easy that it leads to boredom, not so hard that progress is hopeless. In Telra’s grading system, scores of 70-89% indicate that a student is working within this zone. That’s our target and it's reflected in the visual depiction of the Telra standard grading scale. Unlike the traditional A-F scale, which encourages students to optimize for A's rather than optimizing growth, our focus is keeping most students in the Z to Z+ zone.* This can require some adjustment for families who might be accustomed to earning A's and scoring 95% and above. At Telra, scores in that range are a signal a student is not being sufficiently challenged. When data indicates that a student is significantly and consistently above or below their ZPD, it suggests that an intervention may be needed. * E xception: Telra aw ards A-F grades for high school credit courses but high school courses taken prior to 9th grade do not factor into a high school GPA A student's position relative to their ZPD (in each subject area) affects their trajectory through Telra In ZPD - Standard Advancement Below ZPD - Support Interventions Above ZPD - Extension Interventions Placement decisions No two students are alike. Why would we expect them to follow identical trajectories through school? In the Zone - Standard Advancement Students performing at an average of 70-89% in their classroom assessments are receiving the appropriate level of challenge within their ZPD or ZPD+ . These students remain in their active instructional groupings and are on track to proceed to the next course in Telra's course of study for that subject area. In general, this means that, at year end, we would be able to answer yes to the two questions below and these students would receive a standard grade-level promotion at year-end. Standard Grade-Level Promotion Criteria Looking back over the past school year, has the student performed in their Zone of Proximal Development (or above) at the grade-level minimum course (or above) in each subject area? If not, has the student met the alternate qualification by surpassing standardized test thresholds? Looking ahead to the next school year, do we believe the student will be able to perform in their Zone of Proximal Development (or above) at the grade-level minimum course (or above) in each subject area in the next grade level? InZone Below ZPD - Support Interventions When students are performing in the Sub ZPD zone (60-69%), they enter our early intervention process, which begins with in-class reteaching of content and could involve support during Flex or Explore and independent practice. If students enter their ZPD after early intervention, they remain in their instructional group. However, if students do not enter their ZPD, they enter our intensive intervention process. When students are performing in the Out of ZPD zone (<59%) or early interventions have not helped students enter their ZPD, students enter intensive interventions . In intensive intervention, our first option is always an instructional group change, if available. When an instructional group change is not possible or does not allow a student to enter their ZPD, they begin to receive small group intervention in addition to the early interventions. This can take place during Flex or Explore, or during other times as offered by Telra, which may include before or after school, weekends, or during school breaks. Grade level retention conversations begin when students enter our intensive intervention cycle. When intensive interventions are unable to close gaps to allow a student to be successful under standard promotion, grade level retention is considered. Grade Level Retention Questions When considering grade level retention, we ask the following questions: Does data suggest the student has not demonstrated proficiency in one or more subject areas? Are better fitting instructional groups unavailable to the student under standard promotion? Does data suggest that the student is unlikely to meet performance expectations across subject areas if promoted? Is standard promotion with intervention unlikely to close gaps within the academic year? Will grade retention offer a better fit in terms of ability to access appropriate curriculum content and support academic growth in the student’s ZPD than standard promotion? When answering these questions, we may also look at the trajectory for the student over multiple years. Additionally, we consider many sources of data when determining readiness, including course grades, placement testing, and standardized test scores. We understand that the topic of grade retention can be fraught, and that some schools have different perspectives on the matter. Similarly, many families have widely divergent takes on the practice; some welcome giving their children more time to master material, while others are concerned about "keeping up" with an age group. At Telra, we are working to normalize the idea that every student needs to follow their own trajectory in the same way that we are normalizing mixed-age grouping for instruction. Academic considerations (the student's ability to access their ZPD) drive Telra's instructional group and grade-level placement decisions. Social promotion, while seemingly empathetic in the short-term, does a disservice to children in the long-term. Moreover, social promotion is not supported by North Carolina State Law (see § 115C-83.7 - Elimination of social promotion). Accordingly, Telra does not engage in social promotion. The promotion and retention criteria discussed here apply uniformly to all students. There are no exceptions to this requirement. This means that s tudents who may have been retained before and students who receive special services (such as Individualized Education Plans or 504 accommodations) must also meet these expectations for promotion. Above ZPD - Extension Interventions When students are performing above their ZPD (90-100%), they enter our extension intervention cycle. When making instructional group changes in these situations, students often need to bridge the gap between their current placement and the next instructional group. This could be a small-group pre-teach of content, more intensive additional instruction, or independent assignments. This can take place during Flex or Explore, or during other times as offered by Telra, which may include before or after school, weekends, or during school breaks. Grade level acceleration conversations begin when students cannot access the most appropriate instructional groups for them based on their current numerical grade level. Grade level acceleration question When considering grade level acceleration, we ask the following questions: Is the student consistently scoring Beyond Zone of Proximal Development (B+) on assessments? Are better fitting instructional groups unavailable to the student in their current grade or under standard promotion? Does data suggest the student would be able to perform in their ZPD in classes offered in each subject area in the accelerated grade? Can interventions reasonably close any gaps created by acceleration? Does the accelerated grade offer a better fit in terms of ability to access appropriate curriculum content and support academic growth in the student’s ZPD than the alternative? Since the Telra model permits frequent and flexible subject acceleration, grade-level acceleration is often not necessary. Nonetheless, sometimes grade-level acceleration is the best option for a student, and it is consistent with the Telra vision of individualized trajectories to maximize learning. While other schools frequently raise social/emotional objections to grade-level acceleration, research on both short and long-term impacts shows that these concerns are unwarranted. Above Below Placement Decisions Instructional group and grade level promotion, retention, and acceleration decisions are advised by a team with knowledge of the student and their performance. The team may include members such as school leadership, classroom teachers, interventionists, exceptional children’s teachers, and parents. Ultimately, all placement, promotion, retention, and acceleration decisions are at the discretion of the student's school Principal as is authorized by State Law. Decisions

Sign up to Participate We are excited to once again host the GoPlaySave fundraiser ! GoPlaySave is a Charlotte-area coupon book packed with thousands of dollars in savings at local businesses and attractions . Students can earn exciting prizes by selling these books to friends and neighbors and help Telra at the same time! Proceeds help provide special opportunities and experiences for our students, including field trips, Field Day, after-school enrichment, and more. As a charter school, we receive a minimum level of public funding, so fundraisers like this help us provide these additional opportunities for our students. We chose GoPlaySave because it offers real value to our families, too! It’s a smart investment and easy to make your money back in just a couple of uses. How to Participate Sign up here to have a fundraising packet sent home with your child. Sell to friends, family, neighbors, and others, or simply purchase the book for your own family! Return envelopes with payments to the FRONT OFFICE by September 25 . All orders, including those placed online, will be sent home with students to deliver, typically 1-2 school days after the envelope is turned in. Questions? Email GoPlaySave@telra.org . (Please refrain from contacting the front office or teachers.) Frequenty Asked Questions Do I collect payment now, or after the books come in? Now. Payments must be collected (or paid online) when the order is taken. What methods of payment can I accept from customers? Payment options include cash, check (made payable to Telra Institute), or credit card by using our school link: http://goplaysavecharlotte.com/store/telra2027 Can I sell for my child at my place of work? Absolutely! If you would like advance copies to sell in the office, please email GoPlaySave@telra.org Can I create my own sales link and post on social media? Yes! Follow the steps below to set up your custom URL for credit card payments: Look for the "Start Selling" button on our school’s site by visiting the school site: http://goplaysavecharlotte.com/store/telra2027 Enter your student’s information Share your unique link with friends and family. If a customer pays online by credit card, will the book be shipped to them? No. All books will be given to students to distribute. No books will be shipped. I sold books. When will I get them? Books are typically distributed 1-2 school days after we receive the envelope and payment. My child sold 20 books – how will he get them all home? If your child has a large order of books, you may email GoPlaySave@telra.org to arrange for a pickup. What should I do with the loaner book? Is it for me to keep? If you made sales, use this book to fulfill an order (payment must be turned in for this book) If you did not make any sales, please return the book to the front office with your envelope. We must return all unsold books to the vendor When will I get my prize? Prizes will be distributed after fall break. Who should I reach out to if I have still have questions? Direct all questions to GoPlaySave@telra.org

Enrollment Telra Institute K-11 applications for 2026-27 Open enrollment from 12/15/25 - 1/22/26 Lottery on 1/23/26, Sequences announced 1/30/26 Choosing A School Admissions Overview Admissions Preferences Enroll Or read more about About Telra Enrollment

In Fall 2022, Telra Institute moved to its new home at 4150 McKee Rd where our next door neighbor is St. Francis United Methodist Church, and we look across the street to see McKee Rd Neighborhood Park and McKee Rd Elementary. We are excited to be part of the McKee Road community. Our Locations One school - Two locations In Fall 2022 , Telra Institute opened its K-8 building at 4150 McKee Rd where our next door neighbor is St. Francis United Methodist Church, and we look across the street to see McKee Rd Neighborhood Park and McKee Rd Elementary. Take a virtual tour . Starting in the 2025-26 school year, our high school students will be 4 mi down the road at 3130 Campus Ridge. This new facility is walking distance to the CPCC Levine Campus, where our students benefit from a tightly integrated dual-enrollment (college + high school) experience. K-8 Telra to Telra High school High School construction Updated through Dec 2025 Bathroom tiles outside basketball hoop familiar colors 70s paneling? Classroom coming together bathroom tiling in progress Common room with lots of light fresh sidewalks fresh sidewalks Show More Looking back on McKee construction Fall 2021 to Fall 2022 Watch the video above for the location announcement from Telra Institute's Chancellor and Founder, Ronak Bhatt. Groundbreaking ceremony, September 2021 Grading, November 2021 December 2021 Update: Foundations poured for the Telra academic building and gymnasium January 2022 Update: Foundations in place and wall panels being poured. February 2022 Update April 2022 Update

Meet Our Staff Contact us using our standard email address convention Firstname.Lastname@telra.org Elisha Rearick K-8 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

We believe that social emotional learning (SEL) is critical for educating the whole child. Gifted or advanced learners have unique needs due to their asynchronous development. We have a threefold approach to SEL. Social Emotional Learning We believe that social emotional learning (SEL) happens best through experience Gifted or advanced learners sometimes have unique needs due to their asynchronous development — the difference between their cognitive, emotional, and physical ages—which can manifest in challenges with perfectionism, self-esteem, peer relationships, and empathy. At the same time, conventional, heavy-handed SEL programs are seen as too artificial and are often shrugged off by precocious, often cynical, advanced learners. We believe that, in contrast to most academic learning, social-emotional skills are not well-suited for direct instruction. Rather, they are best learned as they have been for thousands of years - by role models, through stories, and through experience. We have a threefold approach to SEL. 1 OUR STAFF: Telra teaching staff are trained to identify the unique needs of advanced and gifted children Myth : Gifted children are more prone to suffer mental and emotional distress Truth : High cognitive ability students are not at increased risk of psychological maladjustment. 2 OUR PEER MODEL: We surround asynchronously developing students with peers who are facing similar challenges. This helps them understand their struggles are not unique, and they can more easily make and keep friends. The best coaches understand the importance of psychosocial strength training, or “mental toughness,” for elite athletic performance. A good teacher recognizes that students also need to develop their inner game to realize their full academic and personal potential. 3 OUR CURRICULUM: Adopting a more advanced curriculum has multiple SEL benefits. Teaching to material that has more depth and complexity allows us to weave SEL into the day naturally. Children can learn empathy and moral imagination through literature. They can learn emotional literacy and resilience through play, sport, and challenging work. Higher challenge encourages children to develop the attitude and the skill sets associated with learning and perseverance. These build a foundation for success in higher education and beyond. Our Curriculum

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 Lunch Uniforms BASE (Before and Afterschool Care) Transportation Telra wants to ensure transportation is not a barrier to attendance. Parents have multiple transportation options: Individual parent drop-off and pick-up 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. Transportation Hours Calendar Hours & Calendar Telra's school day runs 8:15-3:30 at the K-8 and 8:30-3:00 at the High School Telra’s school calendar is designed on a trimesters (10-13 weeks long) and semesters (~16 weeks long). Click to enlarge 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 .

Link to the latest stories as shared on our Instagram page @telrainstitute Telra Spiritwear Newsletter: Winter Updates Telra Families group on FB Careers - Open Positions Uniforms School Calendar Support Our School Telra Website

Meet Our Staff Contact us using our standard email address convention Firstname.Lastname@telra.org John Ozer High School Principal John Ozer is an accomplished educator with over 25 years of experience in the field in the U.S. and Internationally. He began his career as a science teacher, teaching subjects ranging from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Science, and Earth Sciences to middle and high school students. He then transitioned to an administrative role, serving as a K-8 principal for eight years and a high school principal for six years. Principal Ozer is passionate about creating positive and engaging learning environments for students. He believes that schools should be places where students can find their passion and explore new ideas to become confident individuals. He is excited to be part of the Telra community and looks forward to collaborating with teachers, paren ts, and community members to create a positive and engaging learning environment for all students. Outside of work, Principal Ozer enjoys spending time with his family. He has been married for 20 years and has a daughter and a son. He loves to travel, cook, learn about information technology, and watch science documentaries and soccer games. He is a passionate fan of Chelsea FC. Education: MEd, Education Administration, University of South Carolina MEd, Curriculum and Instruction, American College of Education BS, Chemistry and Education, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey Back to Directory

Before and Afterschool Enrichment Care Program Our Before and Afterschool Enrichment Care (BASE) program accommodates the wrap-around care needs of our families from 6:45-7:50am and from 3:30-6:00pm Telra adopts the Let Grow Play Club approach to help kids build confidence, resilience, and self-reliance through independent play. We value risk-taking within safe limits, and during Play Club activities, staff supervise for safety only, not to lead or guide play. Kids solve disputes, negotiate their own rules, and invent their own games. Conflict resolution support only provided when truly necessary. Join the Play Club Benefits of Play Clubs... 1. Foster independent & cooperative play 2. Build social skills & cross-grade relationships 3. Promote responsibility and self-regulation 4. Encourage creativity & imagination 5. Develop problem-solving & conflict resolution skills 6. Support physical activity & wellness 7. Ease the morning transition 8. Reduce after-school stress & overscheduling 9. Support working families Morning Play Club Drop off your Telra student at the Gym (or, if directed by the signage, at the Playground) as early as 6:45am Schedule 6:45 - 7:30am - Arrival and Indoor/Outdoor Play Club 7:30 - 7:45am - Bathroom breaks, calming activities (stretching, breathing), and preparation for school 7:50am - Transition to classrooms Pricing Daily: $15 Weekly: $50 Monthly: $150 Sign up Afternoon Play Club Afterschool care is provided up to 6:00pm, pick up your child at the gym or the playground (weather dependent) Schedule 3:30pm-3:45pm - Pickup from classrooms 3:45pm-4:15pm - Check-in and snack (brought from home) 4:15-4:45pm - Indoor/outdoor Play Club 4:45-5:30pm - Academic time, homework help, and themed enrichment activities 5:30-6:00pm - Wind-down time (reading, creative play, journaling) Pricing Daily: $25 Weekly: $100 Monthly: $300 We understand traffic and emergencies happen. Please pick up your child promptly by 6 pm. Late fees accrue at $15 per 15 minutes. Sign up TWAC Student Rules and Expectations 1. Be Safe Walk indoors — no running inside the building (except when allowed in the gym) Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Stay in designated program areas at all times. Follow staff directions immediately and respectfully. Use materials and equipment properly. 2. Be Respectful Speak kindly to others — no teasing, name-calling, or inappropriate language. Listen when others are speaking. Respect personal space and belongings of others. Follow the “quiet voice” rule during indoor activities. Be respectful to program staff and peers. 3. Be Responsible Clean up after yourself. Use your time wisely (during homework, enrichment, etc.). Keep your backpack and personal items organized. Tell a staff member if you need help or feel uncomfortable. Stay with your group or assigned area until dismissed. 4. Follow the Schedule Arrive and check in on time. Participate in all scheduled activities unless excused. Help transitions run smoothly by listening to signals and instructions. 5. Electronics Policy Personal electronics (phones, tablets, etc.) are not allowed unless given permission for academic use. Telra Institute is not responsible for lost or damaged items. 6. Snack & Food Guidelines Snacks are only eaten during designated snack times. No sharing of food due to allergy protocols. Clean your area after snack time. As this program is a Telra Institute program, all school and BASE rules apply. Failure to follow these rules will be referred to Telra Institute Operations Leadership. Consequences may range from school-based interventions to removal from the enrichment program.

Dr. Ronak Bhatt, Telra Founder and Chancellor, founded Telra Institute based on a simple premise. Children are all unique; why would a school march them all through the same curriculum at the same pace? Meet Our Staff Contact us using our standard email address convention Firstname.Lastname@telra.org Dr. Ronak Bhatt Founder & Chancellor Ronak Bhatt founded Telra Institute based on a simple premise. Children are all unique; why would a school march them all through the same curriculum at the same pace? Ronak and his wife Cathy are the parents of four young children and have called Charlotte home for more than a decade. His perspectives as a local dad and former "gifted kid" along with his experience in education, strategy, and innovation drove him to launch Telra Institute with a firm commitment to build it into a model educational program and establish it as a community institution. With a lifelong passion for education, he’s developed curricula and lectured at M.I.T. and UNC Charlotte on topics of physics, energy, and economics. He focused on innovation and strategy when leading consulting teams at McKinsey and RIN Advisors and serving as VP of Strategy at Avantor As a founding board member and later Chairperson of the nonprofit E4 Carolinas, he helped drive innovation, education, and energy industry growth in the region Education: ScD, Physics – M.I.T. BS, Physics (with honors) - Caltech Back to Directory

Thank you to our partners in the community who have helped make Telra Institute a reality. Dandelion Counseling, Tricia Tam Marketing & Design, Little, Hughes Realty Advisors, BCCG Construction Group, PASS Lawyers, and Truist. Here are our current RFP's... Our Partners Thank you to our partners in the community who have helped make Telra Institute a reality. Alyse Bone MS, CRC, LPC, RYT-200 Technology Telra students and staff have access to think-cell to create professional-level charts and presentations as they learn to understand and tell stories with math. Learn more at https://www.think-cell.com/ New partners Telra Institute welcomes new partnerships that can enhance our ability to accomplish our mission of delivering effective, advanced learning. We are particularly interested in research and teaching collaborations. Please reach out to partnerships@telra.org with your interest. Note: Telra Institute will occasionally contribute funds to joint projects with other institutions, but our policy is to pay only for directly-attributable costs. (Indirect costs will not be funded.)