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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 Looking for a play-based summer camp? Telra still has spots open! Welcome to Telra Institute Telra Institute is a tuition-free charter school Enrolling grades K-11 in Fall 2026 Telra will expand through K-12 in Fall 2027 How to enroll Register for placement testing or tours Admission lottery: results and video New applications will go on waitlist in order received 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 Our grouping model optimizes instructional time 15-35% More learning What program do we offer? Our Curriculum The Telra experience looks different for every student Each child follows their own trajectory through Telra Learn More

Meet Our Staff Contact us using our standard email address convention Firstname.Lastname@telra.org John Ozer 4-8 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

Telra Institute is now accepting applicants for grades K-3 in the 2021-2022 academic year. Telra is a nonprofit tuition-free public charter school authorized by the State of North Carolina. We adhere to an open admissions and enrollment policy. Admissions Overview 26-27 Lottery is complete Join the waitlist! Welcome and thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the Telra Institute family. Telra is a nonprofit tuition-free public charter school authorized by the State of North Carolina. We adhere to an open admissions and enrollment policy. Here's how the process works: 1. Submit an online application (it takes just 5 minutes on your smartphone or computer) 2. Receive acceptance/ waitlist notification Wait for the lottery results and offers. Applications received after the lottery are added to the wait list in the order they are received after applying any applicable admission preferences. Learn More or Apply Now 3. Complete enrollment by submitting documents FAQ's Who can apply? Should I apply? When do I apply? How are students selected? How does the lottery work? How do I apply? What's next if my child is admitted? What about future years? What are the documentation requirements? Does Telra use admissions screening? Where is the school? Why did my child move backward on the waitlist What about transportation, meals, uniforms, etc? FAQs Who can apply Who can apply? We invite applications from all children who meet AGE and RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS : AGE - A child who reaches the age of five years on or before August 31 qualifies to enter Kindergarten. Limited exceptions apply. NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENCY - Attendance is open to applicants from any county or school district area as long as the child's primary residence is in the state of North Carolina. DOCUMENTATION - Documentation is not required at the time of application, but if your child is admitted, proof of eligibility must be provided to complete enrollment. Should I apply Should I apply? We want every child to find the best school environment that helps them realize their potential. We invite you to review Choosing A School to learn what makes Telra special. When do I apply When do I apply? We want every child to have an equal opportunity to attend our school. All applications received during Open Enrollment will be given equal consideration. The order in which Open Enrollment applications are submitted has no bearing on chances for selection. You can also apply after the Open Enrollment period. However, late applications will be only be considered after the Open Enrollment applications are processed (see below). How are stuents selected How are students selected? When the Open Enrollment period ends, we compare the number of applications we received to the number of available seats in each grade and section. If more seats are available than applicants, we accept all eligible children who applied during Open Enrollment. If we have fewer seats available than applicants, a computerized lottery will take place to determine which students get a seat and which students are placed on the waiting list. Admissions preferences can provide an advantage in the lottery. We urge parents to review them and learn if any apply to your child. The application form will give you the opportunity to claim any relevant admission preferences. Children who apply after Open Enrollment closes are processed in the order their applications are received and placed on the appropriate list - admitted or waitlist. If your child is on the waitlist, don’t be discouraged! Seats will open up throughout the spring and summer. We will send you updates as the waitlist moves and continue to send you school information. Note that admissions preferences also apply to applicants on the waitlist. If you discover, after you have been waitlisted, that one of the admissions preferences apply to your child, you can update your application and improve your chances of selection. Who runs the lottery How does the lottery work? At the end of Open Enrollment, we determine - for each grade and section - whether a lottery is needed. Applicants are then assigned a random number and their applications are then sequenced from lowest (at the top of the list) to highest number (at the bottom of the list). Offers are extended in this sequence until capacity is reached. We do not know ahead of time what the capacity will be in each grade, nor can we predict likelihood of admission. That is a somewhat dynamic question as space and staff are allocated depending on multiple factors, including overall demand, relative demand at each grade, and turnover. Admissions preferences are an exception to the random lot assignment. Many families may qualify for one or more admission preferences, so it is important to review them closely and see if any may apply to your child in order to maximize your chances of admission. How do I apply How do I apply? Choose your format Families can apply for the Telra's in-person program, the Remote Academy (virtual) program, or both. Go to the correct application link: In-person program : https://telra.almastart.com Remote Academy: https://telraremote.almastart.com Log in or create an Alma Start Account A responsible parent or guardian must log into or create an Alma Start account. If you have applied to Telra in previous years, you can use the same Alma Start login credentials. If you choose to apply to both programs, you can use the same login credentials for each. Need help on navigating Alma Start? Access the walkthrough videos with the password: Sparkpotential Select or Add the Student If you have children already on your profile, click on their name to select them. If the prospective student is not listed, click "Add Student" to provide their name and then select them. Begin Process Once a child is selected, you can click on the "Begin New Process" Select the school year for the new application (2026-27), and the child's current Grade Level (in 25-26). Click on the Admission 2026-27 process box that appears below. Then click "begin" to launch the process. Complete Forms New applicants will start in the Admissions intake stage . Click there to complete the required forms. Submit Application Once you have completed all the forms, click the green submit button to move your application to the Wait List stage. Make sure to complete this step by the end of open enrollment (January 22) if you want to participate in the Lottery. Wait You will know that your application is complete because it will show as being in the Wait List stage . You will not receive an immediate email confirmation. However, prior to the lottery you will receive an email that assigns your application a unique code that you can use to identify your child in the lottery and waitlist. Lottery The lottery was held on January 23, 2026. We shared a virtual meeting link on our home page for those who are interested in joining live to watch us use the RAND() function in Microsoft Excel to assign a random number to each applicant. The lower the number, the earlier an applicant will be in the assignment sequence (adjusted for any other lottery priorities ). Sequencing Within one week of the lottery (i.e., by January 30), Telra will publish assignment sequences. You'll know your random number on the lottery date, but you won't know where you are on the list until the Sequence date . Offers After the sequencing is complete, the school begins offering seats , beginning with applicants at the top of the sequence and proceeding down. Some seats will be available and offers will be extended right away. Other seats may not become available until later in the spring, so assignments for those will be deferred. The assignment process takes several months throughout the spring, and some assignments even stretch into the summer. Our advice: if you are determined to be a Telra family, be patient and remain on the list. Every year, some families who had almost given up hope receive the happy news of an offer. Reaffirmation Because the assignment process can take time, we understand that some families on the wait list make other educational plans. If you do, please let us know so that we can remove your applicant from the waitlist, which expedites the processing of offers. From time-to-time, we will send out an email to all families on the waitlist to ask whether they wish to "reaffirm" their interest in Telra to remain on the list. Families who do not respond to a reaffirmation email will be removed from the wait list. Late applicants Applications received after the end of Open Enrollment will be added to a wait list in the order they are received, and behind all of the applications that were received during Open Enrollment. Later wait list additions will receive an email at the end of the month they register with the unique ID they can use to look up their waitlist position. While you are waiting, keep an eye on opportunities to learn more about the school, take a tour, and participate in placement testing. If you don't have access to internet, need translation support, or would like to apply another way, please reach out to applications [at] telra.org or call the school at 704-727-2530. Apply for in-person Apply for remote Whats Next What's next if my child is admitted? You will receive an email notifying you that your child has been admitted and how you can respond to accept or decline the offer. You will have up to 7 days to respond , but we request that you be prompt, as your decision impacts other families. (See below for exceptions from this timeline.) If you accept, you will receive an email explaining how to proceed to enroll your child and explaining the documentation requirements. You will have up to 7 days to provide the requested documents and complete the registration forms (also on Alma Start). (See below for exceptions from this timeline.) After you submit your registration forms, they will undergo a validation process that can take up to a week. You may be contacted if a form was incorrectly completed or an uploaded document is not valid or legible. When validation is complete, you will receive an email welcoming you to Telra. If you haven't received this email after a week, be sure to check your spam folder before reaching out to inquire. Any admissions from the waitlist more than 30 days after the date of the lottery may have shortened timelines (2 days) for response. What about future years What about future years? If you are planning to continue attending Telra, once enrolled, a student does not need to submit another application nor enter a lottery to remain a Telra Institute in subsequent years. (Once you're in, you're in!) If you decide to move to another school (mid-year or at the end of an academic year), you will need to re-apply if you change your mind and decide you want to come back to Telra. Also note that, because Telra's curriculum and grade level system are different from that of other schools, if you do leave Telra, we cannot predict how another school will map your Telra courses and grade level to theirs. They may go simply by your nominal Telra grade level or they may take into account the specific coursework you have completed at Telra and give you an accelerated placement. Ultimately, these decisions are made by the school leadership at your destination school. Doc Reqs What are the documentation requirements? Parents or guardians will be required to submit certain documentation to complete enrollment. This will include: Identification Copy of child's birth certificate or other proof of age and legal name North Carolina residency - Acceptable proof of residency documents must include the parent or guardian's name. Any of the following documents may be used: A utility bill dated within the past 60 days, such as gas, water, electric, telephone, or cable A financial statement dated within the past 60 days such as payroll stub, bank statement, or credit card statement Current vehicle registration Dated within the past year: Vehicle Tax Bill, Property Tax Bill, W-2, or Medicaid Card Copy of residential deed or record of most recent residential mortgage statement Notarized Residency Affidavit ( form ) Residential lease HUD closing statement Letter from approved agency or group home Refugee resettlement letter Exceptions to the proof of residency requirement apply for a child whose parent or legal guardian is on active military duty and is transferred or pending transfer pursuant to an official military order. Please review the requirements here and contact Telra if you think this may apply to you. Immunization North Carolina law requires all children in the state to receive certain immunizations as listed here . McKinney-Vento Telra Institute complies with the McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act. Children experiencing homelessness may enroll, even if lacking normally required documents. Please contact Telra if you think this may apply to you or reach out to Lisa Notini at Lisa.Notini@polarisims.com 828.287.7897. Additional resources are available here: https://hepnc.uncg.edu/ no admissions screening Does Telra have admissions screening? We know many other schools (charters, privates, and district magnets) screen applicants based on standardized tests, portfolio reviews, auditions, etc. These processes often include cognitive aptitude tests to identify "giftedness", but those can be unreliable for preschool-aged children. Since many of our applicants are only 4 years old, such an exam would be of limited use for us. Moreover, the advanced learning curriculum we offer works fabulously well for many gifted students, but not all of them. At the same time there are other students who have the passion and drive to thrive at Telra (and in life!), but may not carry the "gifted" label. Instead of focusing on admissions screening and binary labels, we offer placement assessments that students can take if they are requesting a non-default placement in reading or math. These assessments are similar to those our enrolled students take regularly - they correlate directly with our grouping model and they inform which grade or math/reading instructional group a student is eligible for. Every Telra student will take a placement assessment when they join us; we also offer applicants the option of taking them prior to joining. We recommend participating in the early placement assessments if you believe your child needs to be placed at a math or reading level different from their default grade level (noting that their default grade level at Telra may not be the same as their grade level placement elsewhere). Placement results do not affect an applicant's lottery or waitlist position. However, they can affect a student's instructional grouping and/or grade level placement. As a result, they can indirectly impact assignment because we (sequentially, in lottery order) consider each applicant against available space in each of the classes / grade levels into which that applicant is recommended for placement. Please note: Placement results can be a rude awakening for many families, especially in North Carolina, where schools often report inflated grades , misleading families about students' true proficiency level. At Telra, grade advancement is earned through demonstrated knowledge, not conferred due to age. This may require a grade level adjustment upon joining our school, but we find this positions students for maximum academic growth in their time at Telra. Choosing A School Backward Waitlist Why did my child move backward on the waitlist? We know no one wants to see their child move to a higher number on the waitlist, but this can happen when another applicant has an admission preference applied. As much as possible, we try to identify admission preferences prior to the lottery, but sometimes these are not recognized until after the lottery is run, and sometimes families that apply after the lottery may qualify for an admission preference which can advance them on the waitlist. Where is school Where is the school? Telra Institute K-8 is located at 4150 McKee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270 Telra Institute High School is located at 3130 Campus Ridge Rd, Matthews NC 28105 See more on our Location page Transportation Meals Uni What about transportation, meals, uniforms, etc? If you are interested in our in-person program, please read more about Attending Telra . Our school uniform and dress code principles can be found here .

Does your child like moving fast? Have you ever had the experience of asking your child what they learned at school today, only to hear, "Nothing," in response? Have they ever complained about being bored in school or acted out because of it? We Does your child like moving fast? Finish school work quickly? Often bored? Restless and active ? YES Moving Fast > > > > > > > Advanced Learners Word Cloud Maybe you recognize your child here... Advanced or gifted learners often show some of these traits, but no individual has them all. You can read more here: NAGC Davidson Institute MCGT Parents frequently tell us that when they ask what their child learned at school, it's disheartening to hear, "Nothing," as the response. Boredom in school can lead to behavior problems and lower achievement. Many children will learn better , if we let them move faster . At Telra, we nurture challenge and encourage tailored acceleration . Most of our students will finish 5th grade one to three years ahead of the standard course of study. This isn't (usually) because they skip grades. Rather, we compact the curriculum. Think about it this way: A student who starts with Telra in Kindergarten and moves through the curriculum 17% faster than "standard" will be one full grade level ahead by they time finish 5th grade. (Since Telra students work beyond grade level, they are not assessed at "grade level standards." We use our own Telra Institute Standards, which go somewhat beyond grade level.) Our middle school students earn high school credits, and our high school students take college courses (and most will earn an Associate Degree) by the time they graduate. Only a small fraction of kids are ready to skip an entire grade, but many children will learn content at least 20% faster if given a chance. If Telra sounds like a good fit for your child, read about our admissions process here. Admissions Overview

Before and Afterschool Enrichment Care Program Our Before and Afterschool Enrichment Care (BASE) program accommodates the wrap-around care needs of our families from 6:45-7:45am 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 7:45am - 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 Schedule 4:00-4:15pm - 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.

Quick links for enrolled families Quick Links for Enrolled Families Dismissals View and change your child's dismissal plans Student info School bulletins, classes, schedules, and contact info Absent Report a planned absence. Provide a doctor's note

Telra Institute's K-5 curriculum offers a rigorous and comprehensive foundation with tailored acceleration and enrichment opportunities for every student every day.  Curriculum Telra Institute's curriculum offers a rigorous and comprehensive foundation with tailored acceleration and enrichment opportunities for every student every day. Mathematics Sciences and Humanities Gym Specials and Explore 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 Math 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 Science Social 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: Core Knowledge Language Arts Printing and cursive skills with Zaner-Blosser Shurley Grammar 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. Science Course of Study 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. Gym 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. Specials

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

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