Ballantyne families can now apply for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' School Choice lottery for the 2027-28 school year.
The application window opened Monday, Nov. 2, and runs through Dec. 11, according to the CMS School Choice page. Students in pre-K through 12th grade can apply for up to three schools. Lottery results are scheduled for Jan. 5, 2027.
This year's lottery carries higher stakes for families. CMS is restructuring its magnet offerings, cutting the number of program themes from 16 to six, WCNC Charlotte reported. The district has said the goal is to give families across its transportation zones access to consistent program opportunities.
Magnet programs include specialized learning in areas such as visual and performing arts, STEM, world languages and Montessori education, according to WCNC. The complete list of the six remaining themes has not been published in the sources reviewed.
Ballantyne-area high schools Ardrey Kell and Ballantyne Ridge fall within CMS's Blue transportation zone, according to the district's themes and schools page. Students have priority for school options and magnet programs within their zone.
Then-Deputy Superintendent Dr. Melissa Balknight told WCNC Charlotte in a May interview that the district wanted to make the school choice process easier for families to navigate and help more families understand their options. Her current title at CMS is unclear.
CMS will host an Endless Possibilities Fair on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlotte Convention Center, according to a district announcement. Families can meet school and program representatives and ask questions. The district also offers open houses, information sessions and school tours during the application period.
Families can review programs and submit applications through the CMS School Choice website at cmsk12.org/academics/school-choice.
