Wake magnet schools begin accepting applications

There are 39 magnet schools in Wake County that offer 17 different themes. These programs place an emphasis on science, math, leadership and foreign languages.

But the competition to enroll is stiff – less than 50 percent of those who apply are actually assigned to a magnet schools.

"Kindergarten is the best year to apply because that's when we have the most seats open,” said Tamini Anderson Powell, director of magnet and curriculum enhancement programs for Wake County public schools. “Then again, sixth grade and ninth grade are where people make different choices and transitions, and those are also good years to apply."

Rising sixth- and ninth- graders currently enrolled in a magnet school will need to apply to advance to the next magnet school. They may rank the leadership academies and early colleges along with their magnet choices. Students can rank up to five schools.

If a younger brother or sister wants to attend the same magnet school as an older sibling, parents must fill out an application for the sibling.