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The TMSA Triangle Difference

TMSA underwent a participatory process a few years ago to determine its Big Goal and Key Priorities and to chart a focused direction for the years ahead. Through this process, our community succinctly captured what sets TMSA apart from other schools. They identified three defining strengths:

  • Excellence in STEAM Education

  • Whole-Child Focus

  • Inclusive Community

These strengths align closely with our philosophical foundations of Science, Wisdom, and Peace. In the following paragraphs, we provide concrete examples from our daily practices to show how these qualities distinguish TMSA Triangle within North Carolina’s educational landscape.

TMSA Triangle's School Performance Grades

Since the State of North Carolina began issuing School Performance Grades, TMSA Triangle has consistently earned A-level designations. Our commitment to strong academics, evidence-based instruction, and continuous improvement reflects what Science demands—clarity, rigor, and results.

Year  Performance Grade    Performance Score NC Report Card 
  2024-2025  A  93  
  2023-2024  A  91 Click Here
 2022-2023 A  85 Click Here 
 2021-2022 A   86 Click Here
  2020-2021  No Grade - COVID No Score - COVID Click Here 
  2019-2020  No Grade - COVID  No Score - COVID Click Here 
 2018-2019 A  89 Click Here
 2017-2018 A  89 Click Here
 2016-2017 A+  90 Click Here 
 2015-2016 A+  89 Click Here
 2014-2015 A+  85 Click Here 
 2013-2014 A  85  

 For more information about  NC School Report Cards and School Performance Grades, please visit: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/src/

Note: NC DPI no longer awards A+ to any school. The plus sign recognized no gaps in any subgroups.

From STEM to STE(A)M

The A in parentheses is not just for style.

We believe that a well-balanced mind and soul is essential for students to reach their full potential — especially in STEM fields that demand both analytical rigor and creative insight.

At TMSA Triangle, the A in STEAM represents Arts and Athletics.

The arts play a vital role in developing imagination, design thinking, and the expressive skills that fuel scientific innovation, while athletics builds discipline, resilience, teamwork, and confidence.

Moving into our new building has finally given us the opportunity to empower both our arts and athletics programs, ensuring they serve the needs of the whole child while strengthening the creative and cognitive foundations essential for exceptional STEM learning.

Through this balanced approach, our students grow not only as scholars, but as thoughtful, healthy, and inspired individuals prepared to lead and innovate.

For more information, visit our Athletics and Student Life section, which features the TMSA Art and Film Festival, TMSA Peace Week, the Peace Forum, and the Peace Festival.

COGNIA

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We are accredited by COGNIA! Our commitment to excellence has earned us Cognia Accreditation, a globally recognized mark of high-quality education. This distinction reflects our dedication to rigorous standards and affirms TMSA Triangle’s standing as one of North Carolina’s premier educational institutions.

The accreditation process involved several demanding stages, yet we moved through them with confidence thanks to the strong systems, programs, and structures we already had in place. From deep self-reflection to an extensive external review, each phase affirmed the quality of our work and the alignment of our practices with Cognia’s rigorous performance standards.

Cognia’s final approval underscores our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. While accreditation marks a significant milestone, it also propels us forward. We will continue to partner with Cognia through future reviews to ensure that our progress remains steady and our excellence enduring.

This achievement is a hallmark of our dedication to delivering an exceptional educational experience—one that sets new standards in North Carolina and beyond.

Leader in Me

We are proud members of the Leader in Me network. This program strengthens the “Wisdom” pillar by helping students first learn to lead themselves and then and then grows into a humble, service-minded leader who contributes positively to their school and community.

Leader in Me is a world-renowned, evidence-based  program. It is based on two main frameworks that we use on a daily basis:

We invite families and community partners to join us in our mission. Please reach out to us to get connected, or visit the Leader in Me Family Development page to learn more.

TMSA Signature AcademiesTo prepare students for college and future careers, we offer TMSA Signature Academies, specialized pathways that provide hands-on learning and college-level coursework long before graduation. These academies immerse students in real-world challenges and the level of commitment expected in higher education, allowing them to explore interests deeply, build advanced skills, and gain clarity about their postsecondary goals.

Committing to a pathway in 9th grade can feel like a daunting decision; however, TMSA Middle Schools already support this journey by offering a range of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses that help students discover their interests, develop foundational skills, and gain the confidence needed to make an informed choice.

Through TMSA Signature Academies, students can pursue specialized pathways:

  • Bio-Medical Academy,
  • Engineering Academy,
  • Business Academy,
  • Computer Science Academy,
  • Media Academy.

These academies stand as another unique and defining program at TMSA, offering students immersive learning experiences, real-world challenges, and meaningful exposure to college-level expectations. Through this intentional and forward-thinking design, students gain the skills, confidence, and direction they need for both higher education and future careers.

TMSA Star LeagueTo further challenge students who are academically inclined beyond their grade level, we created the TMSA Star League — an elite, invitation-only academic enrichment program designed to accelerate learning through advanced coursework, competition, and innovation. Serving select students in grades 4 through 9 across our Apex, Cary, and Durham campuses, the Star League offers higher-level mathematics, biology, computer science, and English, engaging students with college-level subjects during their middle school years. To learn more, please visit the TMSA Star League page.

TMSA TutoringTo ensure that every learner thrives, we offer the TMSA Tutoring Program, a free and fully individualized support service for students who need additional academic help. Designed to meet each student exactly where they are, our tutoring program provides targeted instruction, skill-building, and guided practice that strengthen understanding and build confidence. Through this personalized approach, TMSA ensures that all students receive the academic support they need to grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.

Home Visits

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Sometimes, truly serving our students begins with understanding them beyond the classroom. That is why we created the TMSA Home Visit Program.

Through home visits, our educators build strong relationships with families and gain deeper insight into each student’s strengths, aspirations, and cultural background. These warm, personal interactions help us tailor our teaching more effectively by revealing the learning environments, resources, and supports that shape a child’s daily life. As a result, we can design instructional strategies that align with each student’s unique needs, leading to more meaningful engagement, stronger trust, and a shared commitment to their growth as whole individuals.


 

TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship

Through our unique TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship Program, graduates can come back to TMSA as educators, carrying our mission forward and shaping the next generation. In this way, wisdom becomes a legacy passed from scholar to scholar.

The TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship (also known as Today’s Scholars, Tomorrow’s Teachers) is another unique TMSA program that provides up to $20,000 over four years to TMSA graduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree leading to teacher certification. Fellows also receive professional development from TMSA experts, one-on-one coaching from a highly qualified mentor teacher, and networking opportunities with peers across North Carolina.

To learn more, please visit the TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship page.