Magnet
WDLA Magnet Tours
WDLA Virtual Tour
School Choice Deadlines
The Magnet Application Process is run by the HISD Office of School Choice (OSC). Please view their website by clicking here to explore school options and important dates.
Application Phases for the 2026-27 School Year
Phase 1 School Choice Application Opens: December 9, 2025
Phase 1 Applications due by: February 11, 2026
Phase 1 Offer Acceptance Deadline: April 1, 2026
Phase 1 Applications due by: February 11, 2026
Phase 1 Offer Acceptance Deadline: April 1, 2026
Any eligible student who meets the qualifications for the program to which they are applying will be entered in a lottery if there are more applicants than available seats. For Phase 1 only - the date that the application is submitted does not influence their chances as long as it is within the Phase 1 window.
Note: All qualified applications submitted during Phase 1 will be entered in the lottery; please note that ranking schools by choice is important.
Phase 2 School Choice Application Opens: March 19, 2026
After all applications in Phase 1 have been processed, eligible students who meet the qualifications for the program to which they are applying will be considered in the order in which their application was submitted.
Note: All qualified applications submitted during Phase 2 will only be offered seats based upon availability in order of application submission. After Phase 2 ends, selection moves to Phase 3 which no longer allows for current HISD students to apply for remaining seats - there is a hard deadline for HISD students.
Important Dates
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Phase 1 Ends February 11, 2026
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Phase 1 Lottery Results Released March 19, 2026
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Phase 1 Lottery Acceptance Deadline April 1, 2026
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Phase 2 Acceptance Deadline (5 calendar days from offer date)
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Phase 2 Application Closes (1 week before school opens)
General Information
Parents and guardians of students who are interested in attending AIMS must follow the Houston ISD Magnet application process and should be aware of the deadlines.
Applications can be submitted here, where you can apply to a total of 10 Magnet programs within HISD. Please note that ranking schools is important and does play a role in selection for Phase 1 with the lottery.
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic school year will open during the fall of 2025.
Watch the School Choice Lottery Video Below
This resource is designed to provide you with a clearer understanding of how the lottery works, what your next steps should be after receiving your results, and how to participate in Phase 2 if necessary.
If you are having problems or have questions, you may contact the School Choice team via email or phone. The email and phone line will be monitored at the following hours. Mon to Fri: 8 AM to 5 PM.
Wharton Dual Language Academy
Magnet Coordinator, Ms. Silva | ana.silva@houstonisd.org
Magnet Clerk, Ms. Medina | amedina1@houstonisd.org
Phone | 713.556.8940
Interested in applying to Wharton DLA? Click Here
Magnet Coordinator, Ms. Silva | ana.silva@houstonisd.org
Magnet Clerk, Ms. Medina | amedina1@houstonisd.org
Phone | 713.556.8940
Interested in applying to Wharton DLA? Click Here
School Choice Fairs
Saturday School Choice Fairs
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Saturday Fairs showcase all magnet programs in one place for parents to learn and make selections. Two additional fairs are held in the Spring for programs with space available. In addition to the coordinators and their respective programs, a general presentation detailing the magnet application process as well as an open lab to assist parents will be available. During these events, you will be able to meet with the Magnet Coordinator, to discuss school choice options, the magnet application process and admissions, the dates and deadlines, information about Energy Institute, and to discuss if our campus is a "best-fit" school for your family as your child prepares to enter high school.
School Choice Fair Dates: Dates and times are subject to change.
- Saturday, November 15, 2025 - Northside High School
- Saturday, December 13, 2025 - Mickey Leeland YMCPA
- Saturday, January 10, 2026 - Sharpstown High School
- Saturday, February 7, 2026 - Mandarin Immersion
If you are having problems or have questions, you may contact the School Choice team via email or phone. The email and phone line will be monitored at the following hours. Mon to Fri: 8 AM to 5 PM.
Email | schoolchoice@houstonisd.org
Phone | 713.556.6734