A magnet school opens doors of opportunity and sparks the imagination of students, preparing them to become responsible citizens in a global society. Although all students receive instruction based on Common Core and NC Essential Standards (North Carolina Standard Course of Study), magnet schools use innovative approaches to learning that engage students and promote their interests and abilities. Each magnet school emphasizes a particular theme such as Visual and Performing Arts, Dual Language Immersion, and STEAM/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). There are currently 4 magnet campuses, including three elementary schools and one middle school.
Each year in February, parents and other interested community members are invited to attend our Magnet and Year-Round Options Fair to learn more about the programs our magnet schools have to offer. NHCS also encourages parents to visit each magnet school, meet the principal, and talk with the staff members to gain more information about the unique magnet programs NHCS has to offer. Parents can contact each school to schedule an appointment or stop by during a school's open house.
Yes, a magnet school's curriculum includes all traditional subject areas which adhere to the NC State standards and all students participate in the same testing as all other NHCS students.
No, students are not tested to be admitted to a magnet school. Each magnet school works with students to provide the best educational experience and helps all students grow and excel.
Yes. Each of the traditional high schools has a signature program. These are programs with academic requirements that students district-wide may apply for. Contact the schools directly for more information.
Entry into an elementary or middle school magnet program is interest-based. After researching the schools and programs offered, parents/guardians of interested students must submit an online or paper application by the specified deadline. If there are more applications than there are seats available, a computerized random lottery will be used to select students.
The process begins by completing and submitting the one-page application for the magnet school of which you are seeking acceptance. The applications will be available March 1-17, 2018 for kindergarten students and March 19, 2018 - April 27, 2018 for all others. Letters of acceptance or letters of regret will be sent by April 30, 2018 for kindergarten. For students in other grades, letters of acceptance or regret will be sent prior to the start of school. Click here for a printable timeline.
Yes, all student enrollment applications are available in Spanish.
Yes, a total of three student enrollment applications can be submitted, including open choice and year round applications.
All student applications are entered into a lottery pool. Based on the number of student seats available within the school and specific grade level, the lottery system will randomly select students for placement.
There is no charge to attend a New Hanover County magnet school. A student must, however, be a resident of New Hanover County to attend.
Yes, transportation is provided for any magnet school student residing in New Hanover County.
No, once accepted to a magnet school, a student can attend through the last grade at the school. However, NHCS does ask that parents/guardians sign an Intent to Continue form each year.
Yes, an application does need to be completed for the younger sibling. However, they will receive "sibling privilege". Sibling privilege is described as follows: If there are any available seats at the magnet school, the younger sibling would be placed before a vacancy is filled.
Yes, students should be enrolled in their district school prior to submitting a magnet school application.
No. Upon acceptance to a magnet school, the district school will be notified and the student’s records/registration will be forwarded to the magnet school.
For more information please call Student Enrollment at (910) 251-2929 or Title I Special Programs at (910) 251-6011 x 107.