Families who want a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools magnet or choice program for the 2027-28 school year can apply starting Monday, Nov. 2, CMS announced. The lottery covers program themes such as Montessori, world languages, STEM, International Baccalaureate and the arts.

This applies to CMS students across Mecklenburg County, including Ballantyne, SouthPark, Steele Creek, Matthews and Pineville. Families in Union County and Lancaster County attend other school districts.

Key dates

These dates come from the CMS School Choice key dates page:

  • Future registration: Oct. 19 to Dec. 1, 2026
  • Lottery application period: Nov. 2 to Dec. 11, 2026
  • Lottery results: Jan. 5, 2027
  • Transfer and reassignment period: Jan. 11 to Feb. 8, 2027

Endless Possibilities Fair (Sat., Nov. 14)

CMS's third annual Endless Possibilities Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlotte Convention Center. Families can meet school and program staff and ask questions about choice programs and more than 30 career and technical education pathways, according to CMS.

Where to apply

Applications go through the lottery dashboard on the CMS School Choice page, which also has FAQs and open house information. The School Choice office can be reached at 980-343-6246.

New to the area? Our guide to moving to South Charlotte covers the neighborhoods.

Sources: CMS, lottery announcement; CMS, School Choice key dates; CMS, Endless Possibilities Fair; CMS School Choice