Transfers and Lotteries
School Choice Lottery Important Dates
- December 15, 2025 – February 13, 2026: Application window
- February 23, 2026: Notification of acceptance to parent(s)/guardian(s)
- March 4, 2026: Deadline for parent(s)/guardian(s) to claim seats
View more school choice information.
Special Programs Lottery
- AgTech at Forest Hills High
- AgTech at Piedmont High
- Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts
- Central Academy of Technology & Arts (CATA)
- Health Sciences Academy at Monroe High School
- Sustainable Energy at Parkwood High
- Union County Early College
Special Programs Lottery Important Dates
- February 2, 2026 – February 27, 2026: Application window
- March 23, 2026: Notification of acceptance to parent(s)/guardian(s)
- March 27, 2026: Deadline for parent(s)/guardian(s) to claim seats
Dual Language Immersion Lottery Important Dates
The Dual Language Immersion (DLI) lottery is only for rising Kindergarten students.
Those entering DLI after Kindergarten must follow the late entry process outlined on the DLI webpage.
- March 9, 2026 – April 2, 2026: Application window
- April 20, 2026: Notification of acceptance to parent(s)/guardian(s)
- April 27, 2026: Deadline for parent(s)/guardian(s) to claim seats
School Transfer Requests
School transfer requests are explained under Policy 4-13 Student Assignment.
Prior to completing an application, please review Applications for Transfer Outside of Assigned School Zone for information regarding school transfer requests, to include procedures, reasons for requests, required documentation, length of approval and athletic eligibility information.
Pursuant to Board of Education Policy 4-13 Student Assignment, transfer requests cannot be approved by the administration for the following schools during the 2026-2027 school year due to capacity limitations, except for transfers under the sibling and employee criteria and those required by law:
Elementary
- Antioch Elementary
- Indian Trail Elementary
- Kensington Elementary
- Poplin Elementary
- Porter Ridge Elementary
- Stallings Elementary
- Unionville Elementary
- Wesley Chapel Elementary
Middle
- Cuthbertson Middle
- Porter Ridge Middle
- Weddington Middle
High
- Cuthbertson High
- Marvin Ridge High
- Porter Ridge High
- Weddington High
School Transfer Requests: Important Dates
- Application windows for school transfer requests are as follows:
- May 1, 2026 - May 29, 2026: Renewal School Transfer Requests (only for current students on an approved transfer that requires renewal)
- June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026: New School Transfer Requests
- July 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026: New Student/Employee School Transfer Requests (only for students new to UCPS, new home construction/acquisition, or newly hired UCPS employees)
- New transfer requests after August 31, 2026 will only be accepted for residence change, students new to UCPS, new home construction/acquisition, newly hired UCPS employees, or a new hardship or emergency.
Apply!
Scribbles is our online application system for School Choice, Special Programs, CATA and Student Transfers!
If you have questions, please contact Mary Gonzalez in the Student Assignment Office.
School Choice Lottery
The Union County Board of Education approved the schools of choice for the 2026-2027 school year. School Choice is explained under Policy 4-13 Student Assignment. Through this option, families may apply for admission through lottery (via Scribbles) to any elementary, middle or high school within the district whose student population is no more than 85% of the capacity, as determined by the district.
The Superintendent shall designate which schools are available for enrollment under this provision on an annual basis. The Superintendent and Board of Education have the final authority to identify schools available for choice under this option. Once a transfer has been granted under this basis, it will remain in effect until the terminal grade in that school location (i.e. 5th, 8th and 12th) unless revoked.
Students granted a transfer through the School Choice Lottery will be given athletic eligibility only if the student is a rising 9th grader and the transfer application is completed on or before July 1. Any student returning to their “home” school after a School Choice Lottery transfer would be ineligible for athletic participation until completion of the current school year.
Transportation is not provided for students who accept a transfer through School Choice.