TMSA Awarded $8.3 Million of Federal Grant

TMSA Public Charter Schools Awarded $8.3 Million of Federal Grant to Expand Access to STEAM Education Across North Carolina

TMSA Public Charter Schools Awarded $8.3 Million of Federal Grant to Expand Access to STEAM Education Across North Carolina

TMSA Public Charter Schools is thrilled to announce it has received an $8,280,264 Charter Schools Program (CSP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This highly competitive five-year federal grant will support the replication and expansion of TMSA’s innovative, high-performing STEAM-focused schools across North Carolina, bringing 3,740 new seats to families across Wake, Guilford, Mecklenburg, and Cabarrus Counties.

“This award is a recognition of our commitment to inclusive excellence,” said Ben Karaduman, Superintendent of TMSA Public Charter Schools. “We are expanding opportunity and excellence for students from every walk of life, especially those who are seeking different options to meet their needs.”

A Transformative Investment in Public Education
 Through the Expansion and Excellence Initiative, TMSA is making a bold commitment to educational innovation and equity by:

  • Constructing new facilities and classrooms across all campuses, including the launch of three new campuses in Wake, Guilford, and Cabarrus Counties;
  • Expanding access to extracurricular programs and building state-of-the-art athletic facilities, robotics and engineering labs, arts and music spaces, and multipurpose activity centers to support whole-child development;
  • Recruiting and training high-impact instructional coaches, Leader in Me coordinators, and school leadership teams to support academic excellence and student well-being;
  • Investing over $5 million in cutting-edge educational technology, including 1:1 Chromebooks, interactive smartboards, enhanced networks, science labs, SMART labs, modern classroom furniture, and advanced learning equipment;
  • Enhancing specialized support systems for students with disabilities, English learners, and educationally disadvantaged youth, ensuring every student has the tools and guidance they need to thrive.

This initiative is driven by a data-informed equity framework, designed to eliminate barriers to opportunity caused by socioeconomic status, language differences, geographic limitations, and digital access gaps—empowering every student to achieve their full potential.

Rooted in Excellence, Centered on Equity

With a current enrollment of nearly 5,200 students, TMSA schools consistently outperform state averages in EOG/EOC assessments, particularly in math, science, and English language arts. TMSA’s Signature Academies in Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, and Computer Science prepare students for college and career pathways. New academies and curriculum expansions are launching for the Class of 2028 and beyond.

TMSA operates under a stable and transparent governance model with a nine-member board and a seasoned executive team, ensuring strategic and accountable implementation.

A Coalition of Support

TMSA’s CSP grant application was supported by strong community voices and letters of endorsement from:

  • Catherine Truitt, former Superintendent, NC Department of Public Instruction
  • Ashley Baquero, Executive Director, NC Office of Charter Schools
  • Mayor Jacques Gilbert of Apex
  • Mayor Harold Weinbrecht of Cary
  • Rhonda Dillingham, Executive Director, NC Association for Public Charter Schools
  • Lindalyn Kakadelis, former Executive Director, NC Coalition for Charter Schools

Additionally, the application included heartfelt support from hundreds of parents and students, expressing their deep appreciation for TMSA’s positive impact on student growth, community spirit, and cultural inclusivity.

“TMSA has changed our lives,” shared one parent in a support letter. “My child is excited to go to school every day and dreams of being a scientist because of TMSA’s STEM focus and caring teachers.”

A Proven Model, Poised for Growth

TMSA’s model has been recognized for its:

  • Holistic focus on academic achievement and character development;
  • High-quality facilities and financial stability (including a BBB- bond rating from S&P);
  • Integration of special education, social-emotional learning, and career exploration into the school day;
  • Robust partnerships with the local colleges and universities, and local businesses for real-world learning and job-readiness opportunities.

With strong accountability systems, measurable milestones, and an expanded management team, the CSP project will be delivered on time and within budget, ensuring long-term sustainability and excellence. With this grant, TMSA reaffirms its commitment to delivering high-quality, student-centered education and to being a catalyst for educational innovation and opportunity throughout North Carolina.

Superintendent Mo Green and Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert will cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of the TMSA Triangle High School Campus in Apex—TMSA’s latest expansion—on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM. This project will also benefit from the grant.


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