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FAQ

What is TMSA and what grades does it serve?
TMSA is a network of high-performing nonprofit public charter schools in North Carolina offering tuition-free STEAM curriculum. It serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12 across six campuses.

How do I apply for admission to TMSA?
Families new to TMSA must complete an application via the online portal. The process is free and simple. Current TMSA students staying at the same campus do not need to reapply.

What are the important dates for submitting a new student application?
For the 2025-2026 school year:

  • The application portal opens November 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM.

  • The enrollment application window for new students runs from November 1, 2025 through February 5, 2026.

  • The lottery is held on February 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

  • Offer letters must be accepted by February 16, 2026 and full registration completed within 15 days of accepting.

How are students admitted? Is there a lottery?
Yes, TMSA uses a publicly‐conducted lottery to assign seats when there are more applicants than spaces. The lottery is random, and once all seats are filled a wait-list is established.

Are there preferences or priorities in the lottery?
Yes. TMSA gives enrollment priority (preference status) in the following order:

  • Children and grandchildren of employees or Board members (but by law no more than 15 % of enrollment).

  • Sibling preference: siblings of currently enrolled students (including half-siblings, step-siblings, foster children in household).

  • Children of active-duty military families (with documentation).

  • A student who was enrolled in TMSA in the previous two years but left for specific reasons (study abroad, parent vocational move).

  • A student enrolled in another TMSA school in the state last year.

  • A student enrolled in another charter school last year that did not offer the next grade level.
    Additionally: If a student is offered a seat, their siblings may gain priority depending on space.

Which documents are required to complete enrollment once offered a seat?
Applicants offered admission must register within the given time period and submit documentation including (but not limited to):

  • Government-issued photo ID for parent/guardian.

  • Student’s birth certificate.

  • Proof of North Carolina residency (utility bill, lease/mortgage) 

  • Immunization records. 

  • Guardianship/custody papers (if applicable) 

  • Most recent report card or transcript. 

  • Standardized test scores (e.g., EOG)

  • Kindergarten physical exam (for Kindergarten students) 

  • Documentation for homeschoolers if applicable 

  • Any IEP, ESL, or 504 plans if applicable

Does a current TMSA student need to re-apply?
If a student is currently enrolled at TMSA and will continue at the same campus, they do not need to complete a new application. If a student wishes to transfer to a different TMSA campus, a new application is required. 

Can I tour a TMSA campus or attend an Information Night?
Yes. TMSA offers information nights & tour opportunities at its campuses. These are a great way to see the culture, curriculum and student life firsthand. Interested families should contact the specific school for tour dates. 

How do I know the lottery is fair?
TMSA states that they do not discriminate based on sex, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, or academic, artistic or athletic ability. The lottery system is open enrollment and the drawing is conducted publicly with software support (through SchoolMint). Any member of the public may attend the drawing. 

What contact information should I use if I have specific questions for a region or campus?
TMSA provides regional campus contact information on its admissions page:

  • Charlotte region (K-5 Charlotte & K-5 Concord & 6-12 Concord) with phone numbers and email addresses. 

  • Triad region (Greensboro & McLeansville) with contact numbers & email. 

  • Triangle region (Cary, Apex, Durham campuses) with contact numbers & email. 
    You would select the appropriate campus for your application queries.