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Telra High School Interest Survey Take Survey > Telra Institute is a tuition-free public K-8 charter school in South Charlotte with an approach that nurtures challenge , encourages tailored acceleration , and crafts a unique learning journey for each child . We enable advanced learners to realize their potential by going beyond the conventional educational model. Many families have asked us about expanding the Telra model to high school, and we'd like to understand how strong the interest would be for a school that extends Telra's advanced learning model to grades 9-12. Please complete the survey to let us know your thoughts. Take Survey >

An integral part of our Telra founding team, Kate Waters is our Director of Operations. Prior to joining Telra, Kate most recently worked in the Learning and Development industry as a Learning Experience Designer, creating online learning platforms for businesses and schools. Kate brings to her role extensive operations experience from working in the tourism and events industry both domestically in Australia and internationally, in Europe, the UK and Asia. Meet Our Staff Contact us using our standard email address convention Firstname.Lastname@telra.org Kate Waters Director of Operations Prior to joining Telra, Kate most recently worked in the Learning and Development industry as a Learning Experience Designer, creating online learning platforms for businesses and schools. Kate brings to her role extensive operations experience from working in the tourism and events industry both domestically in Australia and internationally, in Europe, the UK and Asia. Kate holds a degree in Business, majoring in Marketing from Swinburne University (Melbourne, Australia), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and a Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management and Public Relations. Back to Directory

We enable advanced learners to realize their potential by going beyond the conventional education model. Our approach is to nurture challenge, encourage tailored acceleration, and craft a unique learning journey for each child. Students will finish 5th grade being one to three grade levels ahead Our Approach We enable advanced learners to realize their potential by going beyond the conventional education model. Our approach is to nurture challenge , encourage tailored acceleration , and craft a unique learning journey for each child. Students will finish elementary grades being one to three grade levels ahead of the standard curriculum, move on to learn some high school content in middle school, and aim to finish high school with a college (Associates) degree complete. Our Approach Nurture challenge We nurture challenge. Most schools teach to grade-level standards. At Telra Institute, we know that advanced learners thrive when they are supported in their ZPD - The Zone of Proximal Development. By balancing activities that students know how to do with infusions of more advanced content that they can master with guidance, we nurture challenge and maximize learning, confidence, & growth. The best way to achieve this - to reach students in their individual ZPD - is through tailored acceleration. “Educational acceleration is one of the cornerstones of exemplary gifted education practices, with more research supporting this intervention than any other in the literature on gifted individuals.” — The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) In a typical American classroom... 14-37% of students test at least one grade level ahead in math . 20-49% of students test at least one grade level ahead in reading . Acceleration helps meet their needs Encourage Acceleration We encourage tailored acceleration. Acceleration, moving through a curriculum at a faster rate or at a younger age, leads to exceptional growth and achievement. While common at the high school level, acceleration can be difficult to implement in the traditional elementary school environment due to schedule constraints, curriculum choices, and policy barriers. The Telra system was designed from the ground up for agility. It enables tailored acceleration and enrichment opportunities for every student, in every grade level, every day. By introducing intermediate levels (e.g., grade 2.33), challenge can be adjusted more precisely to accommodate each student’s skill, motivation, and capability. We build a unique Personalized Learning Plan for each student that targets their ZPD based on their evolving strengths. We craft a unique learning journey for each child. All classes at Telra are rigorous, but we've gone further to design a curriculum, schedule, assessment model, and staffing model to make acceleration simple. A numerically inclined Kindergartener might sit with a 1st grade group for math, and then reconvene with her Kindergarten group for social studies and reading. A highly literate 2nd grader might be with 3rd graders for reading and then rejoin his classmates for PE. These transitions occur smoothly and naturally throughout the school day. Depending on their personal journey at Telra, students will finish elementary grades one to three years "ahead" of the standard curriculum sequence. (And sometimes more. 4th and 5th graders taking high school algebra is not uncommon.) Most will then begin working on high school content in middle school, and then when they enter high school, Telra students begin working on early "college level" content, earning actual college course credits and on their path to a degree. Trajectories and grades Smooth Path

A diverse and differentiated curriculum needs instructional strategies that are well-adapted for its parts. Telra deploys a variety of research-backed approaches based on the content area, student readiness, and curricular learning goals. Instructional Influences An eclectic approach A diverse and differentiated curriculum calls for well-adapted instructional strategies. Telra employs a variety of research-backed approaches based on the content area, student readiness, and curricular learning goals. We use what works. Students can learn in multiple ways, so Telra’s approach is not limited to a single teaching philosophy. We identify and deploy the best of what we can find. We are open to change. Our curriculum will evolve over time as we identify better sources, tailor them to our students, and find ways to improve our instructional delivery. At Telra, the teacher’s role is paramount Over the last 20 years, there has been a shift in the teacher’s role from "sage on the stage" to "guide on the side . " While some view it as antiquated to ask students to focus on their teacher; we believe there is an important role of teacher-orators to impart wisdom. Moreover, students need to develop skills related to sustained concentration and directed attention as part of their executive function toolkit in order to be successful long term. Recent research shows that students (and especially above-average students) learn better in a classroom that is balanced with teacher-directed learning. Students need teachers who will ignite passion, convey content and meaning, and model critical thinking . At Telra, we enthusiastically adopt this ten-thousand-year tradition of holding teachers in high esteem. A great teacher is key to limitless and lifelong learning. The future is integrative As adults, most of what we do harnesses expertise across multiple disciplines. Some of the most interesting problems and the greatest opportunities for innovation lie in this kind of integrative work, an assertion that also is supported by Bloom’s Taxonomy . Bloom's Pyramid Curriculum The foundation of this taxonomy is knowledge and understanding. Project-based learning can deepen learning and foster creativity, but this is most effective after students have mastered the fundamentals.

Enrollment of Early Entrants to Kindergarten Eligibility criteria A child who has passed the fourth anniversary of the child’s birth on or before April 16 may qualify for early admission to Kindergarten. (A child who reaches the age of five years on or before August 31 qualifies to enter Kindergarten through the regular enrollment process . ) The Principal, along with a committee of professional educators, will consider the following factors in determining the eligibility of a four-year-old child to enter Kindergarten: 1. Aptitude and Achievement tests a. Aptitude: The child should score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standard individual test of intelligence such as the Stanford-Binet, the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, the Kaufman Anderson, or any other comparable test administered by a licensed psychologist. If using a test other than those named here, a parent or guardian should ask the Principal to ensure that it qualifies. b. Achievement: The child should score at the 98th percentile or higher on either reading or mathematics on a standard test of achievement such as the Metropolitan Readiness Test, the Stanford Early School Achievement Test, the Mini Battery of Achievement, the Woodcock-Johnson, the Test of Early Mathematics Ability, the Test of Early Reading Ability, or any other comparable test administered by a licensed psychologist, a member of the psychologist’s professional staff, or a professional educator who is trained in the use of the instrument and who has no conflict of interest in the outcome of the assessment. 2. Work sample The parent or guardian shall submit a sample of the child’s work that shows outstanding examples of ability (well above age peers) in any area including, but not limited to, art, mathematics, writing, dramatic play, creative productions, science, or social interactions. 3. Recommendation letters The parent or guardian shall provide two recommendation letters with specific documentation of physical and social maturity from preschool teachers, childcare workers, pediatricians, or others who have direct knowledge of the child. Useful documentation checklists include the California Preschool Competency Scale, the Harrison Scale, or any other comparable scale of early social development. The documents should show that the child demonstrates social and developmental maturity sufficient to participate in a structured setting for a full school day. 4. Interviews The Principal shall conduct an informal interview with the child and a more structured interview with the parent or guardian to assess the child’s reading skills and to determine if the child displays a thirst for knowledge and seeks new and challenging learning situations. Enrollment timeline and provisional lottery entry A four-year-old child may participate in Telra admissions lottery and enrollment process on a provisional basis provided the parent or guardian follows the timeline described below: 1. The parent or guardian must contact the school and indicate the intent to apply for early admission to kindergarten before entering an application. 2. The admissions and wait list process will proceed as normal for the child, however if the child is assigned a seat it will be considered provisional . 3. The parent or guardian must submit (a) the Aptitude and Achievement tests, (b) Work sample, and (c) Recommendation letters by April 30. If the required documents are not received by this date, the child may be withdrawn from any provisionally assigned seat. 4. The school will reach out to schedule the interviews no later than three weeks after receiving the required documentation. 5. The school shall decide whether to grant early admission within three weeks of receiving all required documents and completing the interviews. 6. If enrollment is granted, it will be considered conditional for up to 90 days to observe whether the child is able to adjust to the school setting. If, within this period, school staff determine that the child is not appropriately placed, the parent or guardian will be invited to assist in the development of intervention strategies for the child. If these strategies are not successful, the school shall provide the parent at least 10 days notice before exiting the child. Admissions Overview

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 trimester system, each 10-13 weeks long. Click to enlarge Before & After School Care Wrap Around Care Our wrap around care program is operated by the Superlative Club . You can read more about the offering 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

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. We offer four Charlotte area routes which are serviced by our partner, TravelTrax LLC . Read on for more information. 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. Capacity is limited 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 review the code of conduct to know the expectations for behavior and safety at bus stops and onboard the bus. Review now >>

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.