Magnet Program Overview

Only students who are enrolled in a Wake County Public School System school can apply.

If your student does not currently attend a WCPSS school (ie. rising into kindergarten, homeschooled, or currently attending a charter or private school) they will need to enroll first and get a student ID number prior to submitting an application.

Start your WCPSS enrollment at least a full week prior to the time you plan to submit your application. It takes 24-48 hours for a student ID number to become active in the application portal. You'll need that student ID number to apply so be sure to plan ahead! 

Enroll for 2026-27

Taking a few minutes to explore both school offerings and transportation services will help you make confident, informed selections for where you might apply.

Choosing the right school is an important step for your family. No matter which school you choose, you can count on a high-quality education. All schools in the Wake County Public School System follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and offer rigorous curriculum and learning experiences.

View school offerings

Start by visiting the websites of the schools you are considering. Each school has unique offerings—like student clubs, academic programs, and before- and after-school care—that may help you determine which ones could be a good fit for your student. Use the address look-up tool to narrow your options.

Reach out to schools to plan a visit

Can't decide? Schedule a school tour visit. Information is available on each school's website. 

Consider Transportation Services

When selecting schools to apply to, it’s important to also consider transportation options. Make sure your family’s needs are met by checking transportation availability before you submit your application:

• Use our address look-up tool to search your address and see the transportation options for magnet and year-round application schools.

• Some schools require families to drive students to school or to an express bus stop.

• Students receiving neighborhood bus service may experience ride times longer than one hour.

You may apply anytime during the WCPSS Choice Application Window.

• Applications are not first-come, first-served. Students who are selected will be automatically assigned to the school for which they are selected.
• Applicants should only apply to a school or schools they want to attend. 
• Families can apply to more than one school, including applying to multiple magnet and choice schools.  
• Applications are prioritized based on the type of school.
• Approval is not guaranteed.

New to Wake County? You can submit a transfer request at submit a transfer request at wcpss.schoolmint.com within 10 days of enrolling. If accepted, your student could start their new school during the current school year.

Missed the initial application window?  You can participate in the Second Round Application Window. 

You'll be notified by email when your application is processed.  

In the application portal, you will see one of the following by the application school: 

🟠 Orange dot: Applicant Pool 

🟢 Green dot: Assigned (approved)

🔴 Red dot: Not Assigned (not approved) 

Applicants who are selected for a magnet school, an early college, or a year-round school to which they applied are automatically assigned to that school. Magnet, early college, or year-round application results are not eligible for appeal. If you are not satisfied with your school placement, you may submit a transfer request to be assigned back to your base school during the "Request for Transfer Period". Acceptance is guaranteed if the request is made within the Request for Transfer period, unless the base school has an enrollment cap. 

Students who do not receive a seat at any school to which they apply are placed on a non-numeric waitlist called an applicant pool.  If they applied to more than one school, you may be assigned to one of your other choices and remain in the applicant pool for choices ranked higher than the school you were selected for. If they were not selected for any schools to which they applied, they are in an applicant pool for all choices. Applicant pools will be reviewed in the spring to fill vacant seats. You will be notified via your online account or email if your student is selected for a school from the applicant pool.