For more information about enrollment or the Choice of School process, contact:
For more information about Magnet Programs, contact:
Magnet application process & timelines
Students must meet initial qualifications for the magnet program in which they want to apply. These requirements vary by program and can include test scores, grades and more. Determine which programs your student qualifies for by reviewing information about each magnet program.
Learn more about specific testing and assessment requirements on the magnet assessments page.
Interested in learning about our programs? See our magnet programs page.
Application process
Be sure to apply by the deadline listed in the application timelines below.
How to apply
To apply for a magnet, families will fill out a magnet application form during the magnet application period.
Note: You must be enrolled in Garland ISD to fill out a magnet application. See our enrollment page for information on how to enroll.
Student selection
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 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.
Notification of application results
Results will be emailed to the address listed on the magnet application. If you do not receive an email, please contact us at GISDMagnetprograms@garlandisd.net.
Accept/reject magnet seat
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.
What about choice of school?
Accepting a magnet seat serves as a student’s choice of school selection.
Students will only need to enter the choice of school process if:
- they do not qualify for any magnet choice
- they are placed on a wait list
- their parent declines the magnet seat
Application timelines
Below are listed 2021-22 application timeline dates.
Results will be emailed to the address listed on the magnet application. If you do not receive an email, please contact us at GISDMagnetprograms@garlandisd.net.
PreK-K magnet application dates
| Application event | Date | Location |
| Magnet application opens | March 24 | |
| Magnet application closes | April 21 | |
| Testing | May 1 | Dorsey ES |
| Testing | May 8 | Dorsey ES |
| Testing | May 15 | Dorsey ES |
| Results sent by email | May 21 | |
| Deadline to accept/reject | May 27 |
Second Chance application dates
| Application event | Date | Location |
| Magnet application opens | June 1 | |
| Magnet application closes | June 7 | |
| Testing | June 12 | Rowlett HS |
| Results sent by email* | June 17 | |
| Deadline to accept/reject | June 23 | |
Contact us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For more details about the magnet application process and to find answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Magnet FAQ page.