The magnet and year-round application period for the 2025-2026 began October 14 and ended January 23. Applications are NOT first-come, first-served. Families will be notified on February 21 if they receive a seat at an application school. 

Who is eligible to apply?

• Only students enrolled in a Wake County Public School System school for the 2024-2025 school year.
• Students who do not currently attend a WCPSS school and are currently attending a charter, private, or home school will need to enroll online and get a student ID number prior to submitting an application.

How do we prioritize your student's application to multiple schools?

• Families can apply to more than one school, including applying to multiple magnet and year-round choices. Applications are prioritized based on the type of school. Learn how we prioritize multiple applications.

How are students selected for magnet schools?

• The purpose of the magnet program is to reduce high concentrations of poverty in schools; to promote diverse, integrated school populations; and to maximize use of school facilities and provide innovative educational opportunities. To that end, we consider two key factors in considering magnet applications:
  • Socioeconomic status of the area where the applying student resides, and
  • Projected overall socioeconomic status of the school to which that student is assigned for next year. 

Learn how we select students for magnet schools based on these factors.

Transportation

• Choosing a school also means choosing transportation services. Make sure both meet the needs of your family.
• Verify the type of transportation you are eligible for by searching for your address in the Base School Locator. Click on "View Application Schools" to see the list of the magnet, early college, and calendar options and the level of transportation service.
• Some magnet schools may require parents to provide transportation either to school or to an express bus stop. Some magnet students who receive neighborhood busing can experience ride times longer than an hour. 

Results and Options

• Magnet, early college, or year-round application results are not eligible for appeal.
  • If you are not satisfied with your magnet, early college, or year-round school placement, you may submit a transfer request to be assigned to your base school during the Request for Transfer Period at the beginning of March 2025.  "Back to base" requests submitted during this transfer period are guaranteed to be approved.
• You will remain in the applicant pool for your first choice magnet, early college, or year-round school even if you request to go back to your base school.  

Applicant pools

• Students who do not receive a seat at their first-choice magnet, early college, or year-round school will be placed in an applicant pool for that school. If you applied to more than one school, you may be assigned to one of your other choices and remain in the applicant pool for your first choice magnet, early college, or year-round school. 
• Applicant pools will be reviewed in the spring. You will be notified through your online account if you receive a seat in your first-choice school.