The Magnet & Choice Process

School District Five’s Magnet and Choice season provides families the opportunity to learn about the various magnet schools, magnet programs and choice offerings in the district. The annual Application process begins every November and concludes in January. School District Five hosts two Magnet Fairs for families and the public and various schools provide Information Nights to learn more about the curriculum and opportunities for students. Let the power of school choice in School District Five, transform your child’s educational journey.

Click here to view all Magnet Schools/Programs

ATTEND AN EVENT: 

Attending an upcoming Magnet Fair or Information Night provides a venue for families to ask questions of each magnet school and choice offering. 

• Escolares Academically Gifted Magnet Program Information Night (Grades 2-10)
  • Meeting Located at Irmo Middle School (6051 Wescott Rd, Columbia, SC 29212)
  • Thursday, October 16, 2025
  • 5:30 PM-6:30 PM
• Elementary Magnet Fair (Grades 4K-5)
  • Located at The Center for Advanced Technical Studies (916 Mt Vernon Church Rd, Chapin, SC 29036)
  • Thursday, January 15, 2026
  • 5:00 PM-6:30 PM
• Middle and High School Magnet Fair (Grades 6-12)
  • Located at Irmo High School (6671 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212)
  • Thursday, November 20, 2025
  • 5:30 PM-7:00 PM

APPLICATION: 

• Opens on November 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM and closes on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM / NOON. 
• The online application can be found at lexrich5.novuschoice.com

SELECTION: 

• All lottery final notifications will be emailed to families on Friday, February 6, 2026 after 4:00 PM.
• Once you have received your final selection notification, you MUST accept or decline your offer by 12:00 PM / NOON on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. 

PLACEMENT ACCEPTANCE: 

• If you choose to DECLINE your placement offer and wish to remain in the waiting pool for your other choice, you will be contacted if a spot becomes available. At that time, you must accept or decline.
• If you become a resident of School District Five after the application window closes, residents can inquire about enrollment options with the district magnet and choice office at 803-476-8260.

Let's Walk Through The Magnet Process

From Start To Finish