5 Things to Know about the 2025 CMS Magnet Lottery

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has a robust magnet program that gives students access to free Montessori School, STEAM Academies, Dual Language Immersion (with your choice of five languages!)—programs that would otherwise cost you thousands in tuition.

Elementary magnet schools are open to all district students, while some middle and high schools require auditions and/or have GPA requirements. But with growing demand for these programs, deadlines are earlier and competition is more intense.

As a former kindergarten teacher at a popular magnet school, I remember seeing the relief on parents’ faces on the first day of school after an almost year-long admission process. Today, I run the Kindergarten School Talk Workshop to help families navigate their elementary school options. Here are 5 things you should know if you’re applying to the CMS School Choice Magnet Lottery in 2025:

1. Great choices are everywhere

It’s easy to get fixated on the most popular schools, but there are great options all over Charlotte. In most cases, multiple campuses follow the same magnet theme. I always recommend families start their search with schools close to their home or workplace. Charlotte has great schools in every corner of the county, so there’s no need to be a hero and drive 45 minutes each way. Also consider the bell schedule for the school (shown on each CMS school’s homepage). Your childcare needs will change drastically for a school day that ends at 2:45 p.m. versus 4:15 p.m.

2. Know your Transportation Zone

For CMS to provide bussing for your child, you need to attend a magnet school in your Transportation Zone. To find your Transportation Zone, look up your assigned high school (sites like Ryse and Zillow will tell you). Then check here to see if your high school is in the violet, blue, or green zone. If you’re interested in a school outside your bussing zone, you can still apply, but your kids will not qualify for bus service.

3. This year’s deadline is early

If you’re reading this, it’s time to get started! This year, the magnet lottery for the 2026-27 school year ends on December 5, 2025 (in past years it’s ended in late December or early January.)

• Step 1: Register your Child for the ‘26-27 school year (skip this step if they already attend a CMS school). Then keep an eye on your inbox for an important email with your child’s Student ID number. This can take up to two weeks. Write their Student ID number down—you’ll need it through 12th grade.
• Step 2: Create your Lottery account.
• Step 3: Rank your top 3* schools and submit by December 5. You will either be admitted to one school OR waitlisted at your top choice. You do not have to use all three spots.
  *Note: some families will be given up to six options based on school performance.
• Step 4: Find your lottery results between January 6 – 16, 2026.
• Step 5: If you’re waitlisted, decide how long you’ll wait. Schools will pull students off the waitlist though August. My suggestion is to decide by the end of May so you can make arrangements for bussing and childcare.

4. You’re set through high school

Almost every magnet school has an elementary, middle, and high school that follows the theme. So if you like the program, you’ve got automatic placement from kindergarten through senior year. The one exception is the Leadership Program, which only runs in elementary and middle schools. And siblings? They get in too! But this process isn’t automatic—you must follow the steps to enroll them in CMS and enter the lottery. Don’t forget to do this, otherwise they will be enrolled in your assigned public school.

5. You’ve got this 

Applying to schools can feel overwhelming, but you remain the key decision-maker. In my workshops, I help parents choose schools based on their values, lifestyle, and child’s personality and not get swayed by school popularity. The best way to narrow down your list is to visit the schools in person. Just like touring a city or college campus, seeing a school firsthand lets you feel its spirit, magnet theme, homework and discipline policies, and so much more. CMS offers these unique programs for free, so do your research, attend open houses, and consider the incredible options available. In the end only you know what the right fit for your child, and chances are, there are several places they will thrive. Take pride in knowing you live in a city with so manty incredible options at your fingertips.

NATALIE PARMENTER is a former elementary teacher and the founder of Primary Focus: The Parent’s Guide to Elementary School. Follow her on Instagram @PrimaryFocus_