TMSA Public Charter Schools has received an $8.28 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand access to STEAM-focused education across North Carolina. The competitive five-year Charter Schools Program (CSP) grant will support the launch of three new campuses and add 3,740 student seats in 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.”
The funding will help TMSA construct new classrooms and facilities, expand academic and extracurricular programming, and enhance support services for students with disabilities, English learners, and economically disadvantaged students. More than $5 million of the grant will be invested in technology and classroom modernization, including interactive smartboards, science labs, and advanced learning equipment.
TMSA currently serves nearly 5,200 students across the state. The network reports that its students consistently outperform state averages in standardized testing, particularly in math, science, and English language arts. The schools offer specialized academies in engineering, biomedical sciences, and computer science.
The grant proposal received formal endorsements from several public officials and education leaders, including former State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, the NC Office of Charter Schools, and mayors of Apex and Cary. Letters of support from hundreds of parents and students were also included in the application.
TMSA plans to use the grant to recruit and train additional staff, implement a data-informed equity framework, and increase opportunities for career exploration through local partnerships.
A public ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Triangle High School Campus in Apex is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Superintendent Mo Green and Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert will lead the event. This campus is among the first projects funded through the grant.
