CMS Early Enrollment Open

If you’re a parent with a child entering Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools next fall or particularly a parent interested in the magnet programs, be sure to keep this one on your to-do list. Families that want to participate in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ first magnet lottery for the 2015-16 school year must have their child enrolled in CMS by Jan. 12*. This includes families interested in the pre-k magnet Montessori programs, and Career and Technology programs. The application period for the first magnet lottery is Dec. 5 through Jan. 26 at 10 p.m.

Children must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2015, to be considered for kindergarten. Families applying for the Montessori schools Pre-K program must be 4 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2015.

There have been recent changes to the documents required to enroll students in CMS. To register, families must provide two documents (previously three) to show proof of residency. There are two categories of acceptable documents; parents must submit one document from each category. Category one includes a copy of a lease and record of the most recent rent payment, or a record of the most recent mortgage payment. Category two includes a utility bill dated within the past 30 days, a valid driver license or vehicle tax bill.

North Carolina law also requires parents or guardians to complete a Safe Schools Enrollment Declaration. The declaration states whether the student is under suspension or expulsion from any public or private school, or whether the student has been convicted of a felony. View the Safe Schools Enrollment Declaration in English or Spanish.

Parents must also provide proof of birth and legal name, and a copy of the student’s current immunization record. New are available on the CMS website, at any CMS school, learning community office, or the Smith Family Center, 1600 Tyvola Road. For more information, call the Smith Family Center at 980-343-5335 or e-mail student.placement@cms.k12.nc.us.

*This information was update Dec. 4 due to an incorrect enrollment deadline originally posted.