2026 — 2027 Academic Year
The calendar reads as a journey through themes, not a grid of logistics. Tap a cycle to see what it covers, who's hosting, and where the network gathers.
Many of our campus days, field trips, and Talent Lounge afternoons welcome families beyond The Talent School — homeschoolers and students from other schools included. Check the listing or contact the team to confirm a specific event is open to you.
Oct 12, 2026
through Oct 16, 2026
Network closed for fall break.
Oct 18, 2026
9:00–15:00
Between cycles
Watch a live Bronze-Age sword casting — real molten aluminum, on campus
The Sword Casting Guy will be an on-campus guest, showing us how to cast Bronze-Age era swords! Swords are sold out, but you are still welcome to join and watch the cool part - real aluminum sword casting!
On-campus
Oct 19, 2026
16:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Virtual talk on fashion, entrepreneurship, sustainability and social impact
Interested in fashion, entrepreneurship, sustainability, or the power of social impact? You don't want to miss this.
Oct 20, 2026
9:00–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Product design, branding and materials: imagine fixes for everyday problems and start prototyping
Students explore product development, branding, marketing, and materials science, imagine solutions to everyday problems, and begin prototyping.
On-campus day for Talent School students. Outside families are welcome on select days — check the listing or contact the team.
On-campus
Oct 20, 2026
13:00–15:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Optional afternoon maker workshop, 1–3 PM
Learn how an industrial manufacturing process can be used to create art.
Optional afternoon studio hours on campus, 1:00–3:00 PM. Drop in after the hybrid day or use it as extended care. Open to Talent School students and to families outside the network — RSVP through Eventbrite; a fee may apply.
On-campus
Oct 21, 2026
13:00–15:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Optional afternoon maker workshop, 1–3 PM
Students are introduced to button sewing, simple stitches, and colorful embroidery patches, with a chance to experiment with a sewing machine.
Optional afternoon studio hours on campus, 1:00–3:00 PM. Drop in after the hybrid day or use it as extended care. Open to Talent School students and to families outside the network — RSVP through Eventbrite; a fee may apply.
On-campus
Oct 21, 2026
9:00–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
A real pig heart dissection led by a doctor, on campus
Join us for a pig heart dissection led by Dr. Michael Haurberger! Regular Hybrid families need not RSVP; all other TS families who wish to join use promo code TSNFAMILY at checkout.
On-campus day for Talent School students. Outside families are welcome on select days — check the listing or contact the team.
On-campus
Oct 22, 2026
10:00–15:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Visit High Point and learn how craftsmanship and innovation built NC's furniture industry
Discover the city that's been known as the Furniture Capital of the World for more than a century — where craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation shaped one of the state's most iconic industries. The day starts at the High Point Museum (free), continues at the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum ($15 per person), with an option to find Little Sally, one of Thomas Dambo's trolls (free).
High Point
Oct 22, 2026
10:00–12:50
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Oct 26, 2026
12:00–14:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Former NASA tracking station turned astronomy campus in the mountains
Originally built by NASA and the Department of Defense, this one-of-a-kind research campus now inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. PARI closes at the end of October for renovations with no confirmed reopening date, so this is the chance to go. $11 per person.
Rosman
Oct 27, 2026
9:00–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Be a prop detective: read a stage script, design and build the props, then a live performance
Students spend the day as prop detectives — analyzing a stage script, determining the props that need to be built, and designing them from scratch. The day ends with a live performance.
On-campus day for Talent School students. Outside families are welcome on select days — check the listing or contact the team.
On-campus
Oct 27, 2026
13:00–15:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Optional afternoon maker workshop, 1–3 PM
All students have time with trained staff to safely learn how to use a new tool.
Optional afternoon studio hours on campus, 1:00–3:00 PM. Drop in after the hybrid day or use it as extended care. Open to Talent School students and to families outside the network — RSVP through Eventbrite; a fee may apply.
On-campus
Oct 28, 2026
9:00–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Hollywood special effects: makeup, costumes, props, dry-ice fog and things that glow — bring your Halloween costume to upgrade
Interested in Special Effects (SFX) makeup, costumes, and props? You don't want to miss this one.
On-campus day for Talent School students. Outside families are welcome on select days — check the listing or contact the team.
On-campus
Oct 29, 2026
10:00–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
A fall hike with photography, watercolor painting and a wildlife scavenger hunt
Join us at the peak of autumn for an adventure at Hanging Rock State Park! Capture the colors of fall through photography, try your hand at watercolor painting, and participate in a wildlife scavenger hunt!
Danbury
Oct 29, 2026
10:00–12:50
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Nov 2, 2026
11:00–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Tour the only college in North America devoted entirely to textiles
Visit the only college in North America devoted entirely to textiles.
Raleigh
Nov 3, 2026
9:00–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Design prototypes of wearable tech that blend creativity, engineering and style
Step into the future of design by developing prototypes of wearable tech that blend creativity, engineering, and style.
On-campus day for Talent School students. Outside families are welcome on select days — check the listing or contact the team.
On-campus
Nov 3, 2026
13:00–15:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Optional afternoon maker workshop, 1–3 PM
Students plan and design a group gingerbread project in preparation for the National Gingerbread House Competition.
Optional afternoon studio hours on campus, 1:00–3:00 PM. Drop in after the hybrid day or use it as extended care. Open to Talent School students and to families outside the network — RSVP through Eventbrite; a fee may apply.
On-campus
Nov 4, 2026
13:00–15:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Optional afternoon maker workshop, 1–3 PM
Students plan and design a group gingerbread project in preparation for the National Gingerbread House Competition.
Optional afternoon studio hours on campus, 1:00–3:00 PM. Drop in after the hybrid day or use it as extended care. Open to Talent School students and to families outside the network — RSVP through Eventbrite; a fee may apply.
On-campus
Nov 4, 2026
9:00–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Students plan, design and make their outfits for the Recycled Runway fashion show
Students will plan, design, & create their items for Recycled Runway (11/10)
On-campus day for Talent School students. Outside families are welcome on select days — check the listing or contact the team.
On-campus
Nov 5, 2026
10:00–12:50
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Nov 9, 2026
10:30–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
An "entrepreneurial crawl" through Charlotte's Camp North End, plus meeting the owner of Thrift Pony
Join us on an entrepreneurial crawl through Camp Northend and meet the brains and brilliance behind Thrift Pony.
Charlotte
Nov 10, 2026
12:00–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
A fashion show of student designs made from recycled materials — in person and live-streamed
Join us at the intersection of sustainability, art, technology, and fashion for a grand event — in person and virtual live-stream.
On-campus + livestream
Nov 10, 2026
13:00–15:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Optional afternoon maker workshop, 1–3 PM
Students plan and design a group gingerbread project in preparation for the National Gingerbread House Competition.
Optional afternoon studio hours on campus, 1:00–3:00 PM. Drop in after the hybrid day or use it as extended care. Open to Talent School students and to families outside the network — RSVP through Eventbrite; a fee may apply.
On-campus
Nov 11, 2026
Federal holiday — network closed.
Inside Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Nov 12, 2026
10:00–12:50
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Nov 16, 2026
18:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Awards night for the National Gingerbread Competition, for build participants and their families
Open to participants in the gingerbread build and their families only. Public viewing begins Nov 17.
Omni Grove Park Inn
Nov 17, 2026
through Nov 18, 2026
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Two days in the Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, Tennessee
Our second two-day network excursion, to the Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, TN. RSVP soon: everyone who reserves is entered to win a free Airbnb stay, with the winner picked live on social media after Fall Break.
Sevierville
Nov 19, 2026
12:00–15:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Join the Talent School at the Charlotte Auto Show in Uptown Charlotte
Students 12 and under are free; tickets for ages 13+ are $13 per person.
Charlotte Convention Center
Nov 19, 2026
10:00–12:50
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Nov 20, 2026
18:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Students present their cycle portfolios to families
Students present their cycle portfolios.
Talent School Campus, High Point
Nov 24, 2026
9:00–13:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Students pitch an invention Shark Tank style to wrap up the Design Cycle
Students pitch an invention, focusing on marketing, branding, packaging, materials science, sustainability and engineering design. Awards for Most Innovative, Best Sustainable Design and People's Choice in grade bands K–2, 3–5, and 6 and up. Free for Hybrid families.
On-campus day for Talent School students. Outside families are welcome on select days — check the listing or contact the team.
On-campus
Nov 24, 2026
13:00–15:00
Cycle 2 · Built to Heal
Optional afternoon maker workshop, 1–3 PM
Students design and make their own handmade gifts, from toys, dolls and jewelry to home décor and mixed-media art.
Optional afternoon studio hours on campus, 1:00–3:00 PM. Drop in after the hybrid day or use it as extended care. Open to Talent School students and to families outside the network — RSVP through Eventbrite; a fee may apply.
On-campus
Nov 25, 2026
through Nov 27, 2026
Network closed for Thanksgiving.
Dec 3, 2026
10:00–12:00
Cycle 3 · Creativity, Unfolded
Interested in natural sciences, animal rehabilitation, and birds of prey? Join us as we meet more than 30 avian animal ambassadors at the Carolina Raptor Center.
Huntersville
Dec 3, 2026
10:00–12:50
Cycle 3 · Creativity, Unfolded
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Dec 5, 2026
14:00–16:00
Cycle 3 · Creativity, Unfolded
Experience Anatomy offers accessible anatomy training using real human specimens. Come mingle, ask questions, and explore pathways.
Charlotte
Dec 10, 2026
10:00–12:00
Cycle 3 · Creativity, Unfolded
Learn how Carolina Tiger Rescue saves and protects wild cats in captivity and in the wild through rescue, education, and advocacy.
Pittsboro
Dec 10, 2026
10:00–12:50
Cycle 3 · Creativity, Unfolded
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Dec 17, 2026
10:00–12:50
Cycle 3 · Creativity, Unfolded
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Dec 21, 2026
through Jan 1, 2027
Network closed for winter break.
Inside Cycle 3 · Creativity, Unfolded
Jan 7, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 3 · Creativity, Unfolded
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Jan 14, 2027
18:30–20:30
Cycle 3 · Creativity, Unfolded
An evening of stargazing at the Gayle H. Riggsbee Observatory
Meet the Charlotte Amateur Astronomer Club and explore the night sky — an excellent viewing opportunity to see the Moon and Saturn's rings.
Kershaw
Jan 14, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 3 · Creativity, Unfolded
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Jan 18, 2027
Federal holiday — network closed.
Jan 21, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 4 · Paper Trails
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Jan 22, 2027
18:00
Cycle 4 · Paper Trails
Learn about TSN and the TalentSpark Fellowship.
Online (Zoom)
Jan 28, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 4 · Paper Trails
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Feb 2, 2027
through Feb 3, 2027
Cycle 4 · Paper Trails
Network excursion — details coming.
TBD
Feb 4, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 4 · Paper Trails
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Feb 11, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 4 · Paper Trails
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Feb 13, 2027
Cycle 4 · Paper Trails
Meet the network's enrichment and talent partners.
Talent School Campus, High Point
Feb 15, 2027
Federal holiday — network closed.
Inside Cycle 4 · Paper Trails
Feb 18, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 4 · Paper Trails
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Feb 25, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 5 · Code & Fold
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Mar 4, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 5 · Code & Fold
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Mar 11, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 5 · Code & Fold
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Mar 18, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 5 · Code & Fold
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Mar 22, 2027
through Mar 23, 2027
Shadow days — no regular classes.
Mar 24, 2027
through Mar 26, 2027
Network closed for spring break.
Mar 28, 2027
Easter.
Apr 1, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 6 · Many Folds, One World
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Apr 8, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 6 · Many Folds, One World
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Apr 15, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 6 · Many Folds, One World
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Apr 20, 2027
through Apr 21, 2027
Cycle 6 · Many Folds, One World
Network excursion — details coming.
TBD
Apr 22, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 6 · Many Folds, One World
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
Apr 29, 2027
10:00–12:50
Cycle 7 · Refold
Not a drop-in: a facilitator takes your learner all the way through one of this cycle's projects. Pick your grade band's time.
Virtual. One session per grade band. RSVP on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and passcode.
May 14, 2027
18:00
Cycle 7 · Refold
End-of-year showcase and pathway reveals.
Talent School Campus, High Point
Cycles, themes, and dates are synced from the canonical Drive sheets (TSN — Cycles & Themes v3 · TSN Network Calendar Events v2). To add or change an event, edit the sheet — themes are locked for the 2026/2027 year.