Magnet Application Process and Timelines

To apply for a magnet, families will fill out a magnet application form during the magnet application period. 

You must be enrolled in Garland ISD to fill out a magnet application. See our enrollment page for information on how to enroll.

Be sure to apply by the deadline listed in the application timelines below.

If the student qualifies and is placed in the first choice magnet, the student will not be considered for the second choice magnet.

If the student does not qualify for the first choice magnet or is waitlisted, the student will be considered for the second or third choice magnet.

Find out more about priority placement on the magnet policies page.

All magnet applicants (except Academy of Excellence)

All qualified applicants will be placed in a lottery and offered seats in the order they are chosen. When all the seats are filled, the remaining qualified students will be placed on the waiting list. Students will be called from the wait list as seats become available until the second week of school.

Academy for Excellence applicants

All qualified applicants will be ranked according to combined scores and offered seats in rank order. When all seats are filled, the remaining qualified students will be placed on the waiting list. Students will be called from the wait list as seats become available until the second week of school.

All Early College and P-TECH applicants

All applicants will be placed in a weighted lottery that prioritizes at-risk students and economically disadvantaged students in alignment with the TEA Blueprint for Early College and P-TECH.

Results will be posted in Skyward Family Access based on the timeline below.

If a student is accepted, a parent must accept or reject the magnet seat on the parent notification form before the deadline listed in the application timelines. If a parent accepts the magnet seat, the choice is binding for the entire school year.  (Board policy EHBB Local).

Learn more about magnet program transfers, continuation, probation and exits on the magnet policies page.

Accepting a magnet seat overrides the choice of school form you submitted for your student.

Students entering K, 6th and 9th should all complete a Choice of School form in addition to a magnet application.

Students entering all other grade levels should only enter a Choice of School form if they want to change their school.

Open enrollment allows out-of-district transfer students in to Garland ISD. This is contingent on School Board approval, and open enrollment students must reapply each year.

Open enrollment students are allowed to apply for remaining magnet seats during the second chance application; however, they will be placed after resident students.

Open enrollment students do not have automatic continuation into magnet programs. They must reapply each year.