The Office of Magnet and Choice Schools and all GCS magnet schools and high school options hold a district membership in Magnet Schools of America, the Leading Source for Information on Excellence in Public School Magnet Programs.

GCS is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship. When it comes to educating more than 71,000 students, the “one-size-fits-all” philosophy does not apply in Guilford County. Some students strive in arts, some science. Some excel in Spanish, while others embrace Mandarin Chinese. In education, no two students are the same.

The Office of Magnet and Choice Schools and all GCS magnet schools and high school options hold a district membership in Magnet Schools of America, the Leading Source for Information on Excellence in Public School Magnet Programs

We invite you to explore all of the magnet and high school options available. The section contains:

• A listing of the magnet themes
• Information about Magnet Mondays, Evening Open Houses, Regional High School Options Nights, and the GCS Magnet Fair
• Application Information
• A description of each school and its program
• School brochures
• Answers to questions parents often ask about magnet schools and high school options
  

Opportunities to Learn about Magnet Schools and High School Options

Parents, guardians, and students are invited to attend Evening Open Houses, Regional High School Options Nights, Magnet Mondays and the GCS Magnet Fair to learn more about the offerings available for the coming academic year. 

Magnet Mondays
2009 Dates To Be Announced
Times and Locations Vary

Click here to view the schedule for Magnet Mondays

Magnet Monday visits are held on the campuses of magnet schools and high school options. They will last at least 30 minutes and will include a campus tour and a question-and-answer session.  NOTE:  Schools may host visits/tours on other dates in addition to the three Magnet Mondays; parents and guardians should contact specific schools for additional dates and times.

Evening Open Houses
2009-2010 Dates To Be Announced
Dates, Times and Locations Vary

Click here to view the schedule for Evening Open Houses

Evening Open Houses are held on the campuses of magnet schools and high school options.  They will last between 30 and 90 minutes and will include presentations by current faculty, staff, students, and parents/guardians, and a question-and-answer session.

NOTE:  Schools may host more than one evening open house; parents and guardians should contact specific schools for additional dates and times.

Regional High School Options Nights
2009-2010 Dates Be Announced
Dates, Times and Locations Vary

Click here to view the schedule for Regional High School Options Nights

Clusters of middle schools will host regional High School Options Nights featuring representatives from each of the High School Options.

NOTE:  Every effort will be made to have all High School Options represented at each Regional High School Options Night.

Application Periods and Due Dates

Magnet schools (elementary and middle)
2009-2010 Dates To Be Announced

We will accept magnet school applications from February 9 to March 7, 2008.  Magnet school applications are due by 5 p.m. on MARCH 7.

Note: Magnet applications must be turned in at the Magnet Fair or the Student Assignment Office. Applications received after this date will be placed in the waiting pool.

High school options
2009-2010 Dates To Be Announced

We will accept high school options applications from February 1 to March 21, 2008. High school options applications are due by 5 p.m. on MARCH 21.

Note: High School Options applications must be turned in to the specific school. Applications received after this date may be considered on a space-available basis.

Click here to view the Identifying Magnet Schools Quick Guide.

Click here to view the Office of Magnet and Choice Schools Brochure.

Click here to view the press release regarding GCS receiving a grant to expand magnet programs.

Click here to view the Magnet Showcase video.

There are 17 different magnet themes, which include:

Communications
Leadership
Traditional
Newcomers
Global Studies
Montessori
International Baccalaureate
Science
Technology
Spanish Immersion
Mandarin Chinese
Arts
Advanced Academics
Career and Technical
Education and Science
Single-Gender Middle College
Middle College

GCS currently has 39 magnet and choice schools with 44 programs.

2007-08 Schools (Programs)
Elementary: 15 (16)
Middle: 5 (7)
High: 18 (20)
Alternative: 1 (1)

In August, GCS will expand to have 44 magnet and choice schools with 50 programs.

2008-09 Schools (Programs)
Elementary: 17 (18)
Middle: 8 (10)
High: 18 (21)
Alternative: 1 (1)

"The contents of this web page were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government."