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.
- 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
Schedule a School Tour
- Nursery Road Elementary - Arts Magnet: Click here to request a tour
- H. E. Corley Elementary School - A Leadership & Montessori Magnet School
Contact Principal Melanie Harris for tour opportunities: mharris@lexrich5.org
- Dutch Fork Elementary Academy of Environmental Sciences
Contact Principal Rebecca Dilley for tour opportunities: rdilley@lexrich5.org
Upcoming Information Nights
Harbison West Elementary Gifted and Talent Development Magnet and Escolares Academy
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 5:30-6:30PM
- Contact: Jennifer Wahrmund at jmwahrmu@lexrich5.org
Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet
- Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 4:30-5:30PM (Drop-in)
- Contact: Mary Cumbee at mcumbee@lexrich5.org
Leaphart Elementary STEAM Magnet
- Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 5:00-6:30PM*
*(Information Session during event from 5:30-6:00PM)
- Contact: Kim Parker at kbparker@lexrich5.org
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
