Enrollment: How to Join TESG
We’d love for your family to be part of TESG. Here’s everything you need to know to apply.
It’s tuition-free
TESG is a public charter school, which means it’s free to attend — there is no tuition. A charter school is a public school authorized by the state of North Carolina, open to all families.
Who can attend
Any family in the area is welcome to apply for grades K–8. Children entering kindergarten must turn 5 by August 31 of the entering school year, per state law. TESG admits students of any race, color, gender, ability, national or ethnic origin, and religion, and does not discriminate in its policies or programs.
How the lottery works
Because more families apply than we have seats, enrollment is decided by a fair, automated lottery through Lotterease — an independent system the school cannot manipulate. Here’s the process:
Create one parent account in Lotterease and add each child you’d like to enroll for the upcoming year.
The lottery runs on March 1. You’ll be notified of results by email.
If your child is offered a seat, you have 48 hours to accept or decline.
Once you accept, complete the enrollment paperwork within 10 days to secure the seat.
Current students do not need to re-apply. Applications received after March 1 are added to the waiting list in the order received, and the waitlist moves throughout the year as families make decisions.
Lottery preferences
In keeping with state law, a few groups run through the lottery first: children of full-time staff and board members; siblings of currently enrolled students; siblings of students who completed the school’s highest grade after several years here; and certain students returning after a qualifying absence.
Applying with siblings
If siblings apply together in the same year, your family name can be entered once to represent all of them. If your name is drawn, all siblings are admitted as space allows; any sibling without a seat goes to the top of that grade’s waiting list. Important: when one child is offered a seat, accept it right away — that’s what moves your other children to the top of their lists.
Key dates
Lottery runs
March 1
Seat offers / 48-hour window
Beginning early March
Enrollment remains open
Until seats are full, up to the first 20 days of school
Ready to apply?
Apply online through Lotterease.
Sign up for a Tuesday tour to visit and ask questions.
Have questions? Email executivedirector@tesgk8.org or call 336-890-8374.