Duval County Public Schools offers incredible magnet schools and magnet programs within schools designed to provide specialized learning experiences for students with specific educational interests. These unique schools go beyond the traditional curriculum, focusing on themes like the visual and performing arts, STEM, and career fields.

There are two ways to apply to a magnet school or magnet program, depending on the time of the year. The first way to apply is the lottery process. The second way is the controlled open enrollment process, which occurs after the lottery has run and allows families to access available seats on a first-come, first-served basis. If your child is a new student in Duval County Public Schools, you will need to complete the new student application and create a linked parent account first.

The Lottery Process

If you are seeking a magnet school or magnet program within a school, the best chance for admission to that school or program is during the lottery window. The lottery window for the 2026 – 2027 school year opens on Dec. 1, 2025 and closes on Jan. 31, 2026. Each application is assigned a priority based on School Board Policy 5.46. The lottery results are shared with families no later than mid-March.

If a student does not receive placement, their application is added to the school’s waitlist. Families can monitor the waitlist in FOCUS through their Linked Parent Account and will be notified if a seat becomes available.

How To Apply During the Lottery

Magnet school and magnet program applications can only be accessed through a parent or guardian's Linked Parent Account. Need a Linked Parent Account? Visit this webpage for next steps.

To complete and submit the magnet application:

• Log in to your Linked Parent Account through the Family Portal

• Select the FOCUS button at the top of the page or from the "My Links tab"

• On the left-hand side, select your student’s name

• The magnet application will be located in the drop-down menu from December 1 – January 31

• Complete and submit the application by 11:59 p.m. on January 31

If you decide to change your school selection after you have applied, repeat the steps above to complete and submit a new application. The last application submitted will be one that is processed. All changes are final after 11:59 p.m. on January 31. 

If you revisit your application, be sure to enter a sibling preference or any other pertinent information before you submit it again.

The Controlled Open Enrollment Process

Families who miss the lottery application window can still apply for a magnet school or magnet program within a school during controlled open enrollment. Controlled open enrollment takes place several times throughout the school year. Visit our controlled open enrollment process page to learn more.

Need help? Send your question or request to District Enrollment Services.

Call Us (904) 390-2082

Special Admissions Procedures for Arts Schools

Aspiring artists interested in Fort Caroline Middle School of the Visual and Performing Arts, LaVilla School of the Arts, or Douglas Anderson School of the Arts may need to complete an audition for lottery priority or even for admission consideration. Be sure to contact these schools directly for specific audition dates and requirements.

Additionally, students seeking admission to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts do not need to complete a magnet school application. Contact the school for audition and admission information.