- Wake County Public School System
- WCPSS Schools of Choice Overview
Magnet Schools
Page Navigation
-
Magnet, Early College, and Application Schools
Ready to explore choice options for the 26-27 school year! Join us:
- Eastern Wake Magnet Fair, Tuesday, September 23, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Wake Tech Eastern Campus
- Early College Fair, Saturday, October 11, 9:00 am - 11:00 am at Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
- Magnet and Early College Fair and Kickoff to Kindergarten, Saturday, November 1, 9:00 am -12:00 pm at Southeast Raleigh Magnet HS
- Magnet Information Sessions - In-Person - 10:00 am-11:30 am on September 4, October 2, November 6, and December 4 at Crossroads I, 5625 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC 27518
- Magnet Information Session - In-Person, 10:00 am - 11:00 am On January 8, 2026 at Wildwood Forest Magnet ES, 8401 Wild Wood Forest Dr, Raleigh NC 27616
- Magnet Information Sessions - Virtual - 10:00 am-11:30 am on September 18, October 16, November 20, December 11, and January 15. RSVP to receive a meeting link via email.
In Wake County's Magnet Schools, we believe in creating well-rounded, dynamic students. Our specialized programs are designed to challenge you, build on your strengths, and introduce you to exciting new experiences.
Each of our unique themes blends the standard curriculum with innovative instructional models, pushing you to think creatively and analytically. Here, you'll solve problems in ways you've never imagined before.
WCPSS Magnets offer a rich tapestry of public school choices that inspire innovation and equip you with the tools to make a real impact on your future.
Join us, and let's unlock your full potential together and #SeeThingsDifferently.
Explore magnet school options available for your address. Then, schedule a tour to see these award-winning programs for yourself!
View our magnet introduction video
We are proud of our award-winning magnet schools and early colleges:
- Over 500 Magnet Schools of America National Merit Awards have been given to WCPSS magnet and early college schools since 1996-97
- 48 Magnet Schools have received Certification or Demonstration Certification status or recertification from Magnet Schools of America, since 2017-18
- 14 Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grants for a total of over $103 million
- 17 Top Ranking Magnet Schools of America National Awards given to WCPSS magnet and early college schools since 2000
District Highlights
-
Smith Magnet Elementary designated as an NC Model Global-Ready school
Smith is the first school in the district to earn this prestigious honor.
-
Signing Day: Vernon Malone College & Career Academy seniors are ready to join the workforce
The school has partnerships with many businesses that provide on-the-job training for students while still in high school.
-
Two magnet schools receive top national awards
Millbrook Magnet Elementary and Lincoln Heights Magnet Elementary were named among the best magnet schools in the nation by Magnet Schools of America.
Upcoming Events
-
September 4, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Magnet Information Session - In Person
-
September 18, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Magnet Information Session - Virtual
-
September 23, 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM East Wake Magnet Fair
-
October 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Magnet Information Session - In Person
-
October 11, 2025
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Early College Fair at Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
-
October 16, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Magnet Information Session - Virtual
-
November 1, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM WCPSS Magnet/Early College Fair and Rising Kindergarten Information Sessions
-
November 6, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Magnet Information Session - In Person
-
November 20, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Magnet Information Session - Virtual
-
December 4, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Magnet Information Session - In Person