Magnet programs & CTE pathways

  • 2025 Lottery Notification Process and Timeline (information in Español: https://www.dpsnc.net/Page/3536)

    • Lottery Application Period (for 2025-2026 School-Year):  Monday, January 6th (12 am) through Friday, January 31st (5 pm) 2025
    • The parent or legal guardian/custodian must have a valid email address or phone number to create an online account, submit an application, and receive application updates in the application portal: SchoolMint Application Account at: https://applydpsnc.schoolmint.com/login
    • Lottery Notification Results Posted: Monday, March 3, 2025 - Lottery notification results will be e-mailed, texted, and posted on the Parent Dashboard of the parent/guardian SchoolMint Application Account at https://applydpsnc.schoolmint.com/login
    • Seat Acceptance is Binding - Accepted seats become the student's school assignment for the 2025-26 school year and students may not attend their base school instead without an approved hardship transfer request. 
    • Exceptional Children’s Programs (ECP) -  Please note: ECP may override lottery assignments for students whose IEP teams indicate the need for a separate/self-contained placement.

    Waitlist Pull Dates 2025

    March 17th with acceptance deadline of March 28th at 5:00pm

    April 7th with acceptance deadline of April 18th at 5:00pm

    April 21st with acceptance deadline of May 2nd at 5:00pm

    May 5th with acceptance deadline of May 16th at 5:00pm

    May 19th with acceptance deadline of May 30th at 5:00pm

    June 16th with acceptance deadline of June 27th at 5:00pm LAST DRAW FOR YEAR-ROUND AND EARLY COLLEGE

    June 30th with acceptance deadline of July 11th at 5:00pm

    July 14th with acceptance deadline of July 25th at 5:00pm

    July 28th with acceptance deadline of August 1st at 5:00pm LAST DRAW FOR TRADITIONAL CALENDAR SCHOOLS 

  • Application Programs at Durham Public Schools (información en español)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I attend a DPS school or program that requires an application?

    • All DPS application programs are only available to students whose legal domicile is Durham County. Some programs also have a geographic area that students must reside in to attend that school. 
    • All DPS application programs are accessible through the DPS lottery process that opens in January of each year for the following school year. Application is available here: https://applydpsnc.schoolmint.com/
    • In addition to lottery entrance, Cooperative Innovative High School Early College programs (JDC Early College, City of Medicine Academy, Durham Early College of Health Science, and Durham School of Technology) due rank student applications base on the criteria established by the NC Cooperative Innovative High School Legislation and the Memoranda of Understanding established with the partner high education organization. 

     

    What are magnet schools? GO →    

    What is the history of magnet schools in Durham, NC? GO →    

    How do I know if a magnet school is right for my family? GO →    

    What magnet themes are available in Durham Public Schools? 

     

    What are year-round schools? GO  →  

    How do I know if a year-round school is right for my family? GO →  

    What is a CTE pathway? GO →  

    How do I know if a CTE pathway is right for my family? GO →  

    What is Ignite Online Academy? GO →

    Who do I contact if I have more questions about a magnet program? 

    • start with the school level contact listed for each school
    • or contact Rita_Rathbone@dpsnc.net or (919) 560-2000 ext. 22806

    Who do I contact if I have more questions about the lottery? 

    • start with the school level contact listed for each school
    • or contact the Office of Student Assignment at (919) 560-2059