GCS Magnet Application Process

Greenville County Schools (GCS) 

Magnet Application Process

You can access GCS Magnet Academies information by clicking here.

When Can I Apply to a GCS Magnet School?

The first GCS Magnet Academy application window for the 2026-2027 school year opens on November 10, 2025.

How Do I Apply for J. L. Mann's Magnet Program?

Before beginning your Magnet application please review the FAQs!

Click here to see GCS Magnet Academies Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

GCS Magnet Academies Frequently Asked Questions in Spanish

Parents and their students must apply to the magnet program through the GCS Parent Backpack Portal.  Please contact your student's GCS middle school or high school to get enrolled if you are not able to access the GCS Parent Backpack Portal.  The magnet coordinator will not be able to assist you with Backpack.  If you are coming from outside of Greenville County Schools, you can register for access to the GCS Parent Backpack Portal.  

Once in your Backpack account, parents will

1. Select "Programs" from the column on the left.

2. Select "Apply to a Program."  Available programs will show on the screen.

3. Select "Apply" beside Magnet Academies to begin the magnet application process.

Parents will be able to apply for multiple magnet academies in the online system, but they will be able to submit the application only once.  Parents should make sure to select all magnet academies for which their student desires to apply and complete all sections of each magnet application before submitting.

Paper applications will be received only if a parent does not have access to online submission.  If a paper magnet application is needed due to technology issues, the parent must email the school's Magnet Coordinator to request one.  After completing the paper magnet application, the parent must return it to the front office of the school during school hours.  The Magnet Coordinator cannot process e-mailed, mailed, or faxed paper magnet applications.

All incoming magnet freshmen at J. L. Mann High School will participate in the NewTech@Mann program for their first year.  If you have any questions regarding the NewTech@Mann program, please contact Ms. Sarah-Burke White, NewTech@Mann Director at (864) 355-0820 or sbwhite@greenville.k12.sc.us.