SoDu How-To

[SoDu How-To] Apply for the 2026-27 Durham Public Schools Magnet Lottery

A clear, step-by-step guide for Durham families to apply to DPS magnet, Early College, CTE, and year-round programs for 2026–27 - what to know, how to rank choices, key dates, and who to call.

Wes Platt

01 Jan 2026 — 5 min read

Durham Public Schools opens its magnet/CTE pathway lottery for the 2026–27 school year on Jan. 5 and closes Jan. 30 at 5 p.m.

Families use the lottery to apply for themed magnet programs (IB, Montessori, Dual Language Immersion, Humanities & Arts, STEM), Early Colleges, Year-Round calendar schools, Ignite! Online Academy, CTE pathways, and JROTC.

Magnet programs are open to students who live in Durham County, and some options have regional or attendance-zone rules. Accepting a magnet seat is a commitment for the full school year.

Apply at: applydpsnc.schoolmint.com/login

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