CMS magnet and school choice lottery, 2027-28
Applications close Dec 11Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools runs one choice lottery each year for magnet and other choice programs. For the 2027-28 school year the application window opens on November 2 and closes on December 11, 2026. Here are the dates, the steps and who to call, all taken from CMS.
Facts checked Oct 25, 2026
For 2027-28, CMS takes choice lottery applications from November 2 to December 11, 2026, and posts results on January 5, 2027, per the CMS key dates page as of October 25, 2026. Students new to CMS register first. Applying early does not change your odds, because applications are processed after the window closes.
- Register with CMSNew to CMS? Complete future registration first (open Oct 19 to Dec 1, 2026).
- Explore programsRead the program descriptions on the CMS School Choice site.
- Submit your choicesApply in the window, Nov 2 to Dec 11, 2026.
- Check resultsResults post Jan 5, 2027. Transfer window follows.
Key dates for 2027-28
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Future registration (students new to CMS) | Oct 19 to Dec 1, 2026 |
| Choice lottery application | Nov 2 to Dec 11, 2026 |
| Lottery results | Jan 5, 2027 |
| Transfer and reassignment window | Jan 11 to Feb 8, 2027 |
These are the 2027-28 dates listed by CMS. CMS notes dates can change, so check the key dates page before you plan around them.
Source: cmsk12.org ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Does applying early help?
No. All applications are processed after the window closes, so a choice submitted on the first day has the same chance as one submitted on the last day. WFAE reported this for the 2026-27 cycle.
Source: wfae.org ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Who to call
CMS School Choice office: 980-343-6246. CMS main line: 980-343-3000.
Source: cmsk12.org ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
- CMS School Choice ↗980-343-6246Applications, results and FAQ
Questions people ask
When is the CMS magnet lottery deadline for 2027-28?
December 11, 2026. The application window opens November 2, 2026, per CMS as of October 25, 2026.
When do CMS lottery results come out?
January 5, 2027, according to the CMS key dates page.
Does it matter what day I apply?
No. Applications are processed after the window closes, so applying early does not raise your odds.