2023-2024 School Year:  For students in Grade 5 and Grade 8 in the fall of 2023, on-time applications closed at noon on November 13, 2023.

• • Magnet Programs are open only to residents of Anne Arundel County.
  • Magnet schools are determined by the applicant's zoned middle school.* (The zoned middle school is the one student would attend by parents' address on file.)
  • Military families outside of AACPS with orders can apply in the normal application window.  See additional information for military families.
  • Applications are submitted online within the published timeframe. Applications are reviewed; an application to Apex Arts requires an  audition. All applications for students with high numbers of referrals and/or absences are subject to additional review and may result in the student being denied admission or entering the program under a probationary status.
  • No late application enters the unweighted lottery and will be placed on the waitlist by time-stamp order of eligible application.
  • Late applications for Apex Arts: Please check with apexarts@aacps.org  about late applications. 
  • Late applications for IB: Please check with maustin1@aacps.org (IB) about late applications.  
  • STEM MS and STEM HS do not accept late applications.  STEM BioMedical (BMAH) for high school accepts late applications.

Information sessions 2023: click here for a list in English and Spanish

Application protocols for Magnet Programs (Apex Arts, BMAH, IB, STEM):

• Current AACPS students should use their lunch ID as their application username and password, also used to access the computers at school and Brightspace. 
• Please use a computer to apply (not a phone).
• The Magnet Office evaluates applications from October-January.
• Auditions are held for Apex Arts (See www.aacps.org/apexarts for details.)
• An unweighted lottery is held in February.
• NB: Non-AACPS students create a username and password combination when beginning the online application. 
  • The Magnet Office cannot reset passwords. Contact the Help Desk at 410-222-5135 for password resets.
  • The same application system is used for Magnet Programs, JROTC, CAT Centers, Charter/Contract Schools, and Virtual Academy. 
• Current fourth and seventh grade students:  Plan ahead for School Year 2024-2025: Magnet applications will open at noon on October 7, 2024 and close at noon on November 7, 2024.

*After the Board of Education reaches a final decision regarding the redistricting of schools, all impacted prospective Magnet students and families will be contacted to discuss available options.