Magnet Schools

Magnet schools offer themed learning that inspires curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Students explore their passions while building a strong academic foundation.

Magnet schools in the Wake County Public School System are public schools with specialized themes—such as STEM, leadership, the arts, global studies, and more. Each school provides the same core instruction as other WCPSS schools, while offering students a unique and engaging approach to learning.

These programs promote academic excellence, school diversity, and expanded opportunities for families to apply to schools that match their interest. Students may apply to attend a magnet school outside of their base school assignment, though placement is not guaranteed.

Magnet Themes and Opportunities

Magnet schools offer students:

Hands-on, theme-based learning experiences
Opportunities to explore specialized interests
Diverse classrooms that reflect our broader community
High expectations in a supportive, inclusive environment

Every magnet school follows the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and offers a well-rounded education that includes core academics, the arts, and access to athletics and career and technical education (CTE).

Magnet Pathways

Many themes continue across multiple grade levels, forming Magnet Pathways. These pathways allow students to:

Stay with a theme from elementary through high school
Build deep knowledge in an area of interest
Grow academically, socially, and creatively over time

Students enrolled in a magnet pathway have priority when applying to the next magnet school in the same theme (for example, from a magnet elementary to a magnet middle school).

Questions? Contact us for help at 919-533-7289, magnetcenter@wcpss.net, or schedule a virtual chat. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Choice schools in Wake County include Magnet schools—which also offer Early College high schools and Crossroads Flex High School—as well as year-round schools.

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Application Information

Find and Explore Magnet Schools

Magnet Schools DirectoryExplore Schools by Level, Theme and Pathways

Explore Magnet Schools by Your AddressView Schools and Transportation Options by Home Address

Interactive Magnet MapLocate a Magnet School on our Google Map

FAQsHave a question? We can help.

Key Dates

Oct. 15, 2025: Kindergarten and Pre-registration opens for the 2026-27 school year

Oct. 15-Dec. 12, 2025: Early College Application window for Early Colleges, Leadership Academies and Crossroads FLEX High School

Oct. 15-Jan. 22, 2026: Choice Application window for magnet and year-round schools.

Feb. 19, 2026: Notification of results for all application windows

March 2-13, 2026: Round 2 for select Magnet schools application window

Notes: New families can apply for a Magnet school within 10 days of enrolling. Approval is not guaranteed.

How to Apply for a Magnet School

Step 1: Enroll in WCPSS

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

Step 2: Narrow down your Magnet School application options

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.

Step 3: Apply for a Magnet School during the Choice Application Window

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.

NOTE: New to Wake County? Missed the initial Choice Application Window?

Step 4: Check your application status

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: submitted (not processed)

🟢 Green dot: assigned (approved)

🔴 Red dot: unassigned (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.

Note: Waiting Lists

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.